CHAPTER SV 
MID-APRIL 
WHEN the day one has set apart and looked 
forward to as the only available one in the 
week for an excursion proves to be fine, it 
is a matter for much self-congratulation in 
England. So, as I look back upon the few 
hours of bright sunshine and dark cloud 
(but without rain or wind—a typical April 
day) that we spent amongst the birds, I 
think we were very fortunate. Only a little 
while before we had experienced strong gales 
with rain and snow and sleet, instead of the 
proverbial warm ‘ April showers that bring 
sunny hours.’ 
How marvellously does spring change her 
garb after only a few hours of sunshine. 
The appearance of the islands was very 
different from that of even a week ago. The 
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