recent heavy fall of snow. We, who are anxious 
for an early coming of spring, need not be un- 
necessarily distressed over the snow-covered 
fields. A thick blanket of snow is protective to 
nature’s buried stores. The stern well-blanketed 
winter foretells an early springtime and summer 
harvest. 
After the winter’s blanket has been rolled back, 
the first wee one here on Pine Hills to spring 
from the lap of mother earth will be the little 
golden crested coltsfoot. Hie away then to the 
clay bank along the west side of South Allen 
street beyond Mercer street. There you will 
find these little golden headed dandelion-like 
flowers thrust out to the sunlight. It is a sturdy 
little plant with beauty enough to stir the fabled 
heart of stone. 
Pretty firstling of the year! 
Herald of the host of flowers! 
Hast thou left thy cavern drear 
In the hope of summer hours? 
The robin’s clarion note is by many said to be 
the first song note of the spring, but many trust- 
worthy observers divide the honor with the blue- 
bird and songsparrow, giving commendation for 
early arrival to the meadow lark, the flicker and 
the starlings. 
Just now, all who are interested in the coming 
of the birds and flowers, have their thoughts 
and senses sharply turned southward whence 
will come these blessings of beauty and song life. 
To ourselves and often to our friends and neigh- 
73 
