WILD LIFE OF ORCHARD AND FIELD 



VII 



FIRST-COMERS 



HE lengthening of the days, 

 as the year slowly advances, 

 brings with it increased longing 

 for still balmier weather to every 

 one whose pleasure is not bound 

 within the narrow limits of the 

 opera and soiree. To the lover 

 of long rambles in the woods 

 and meadows, or of lazy boating 

 along some placid stream, where 

 the water-lilies bow to let him 

 pass and buoyantly rise in his 

 wake, shaking the drops from 

 their shining fronds, every in- 

 dication of approaching spring 

 is eagerly scanned, and is hailed 

 with delight. The slow decay of 



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