JULY. 231 



But woods, the depths of woods, are the 

 most delicious retreats during the fiery noons 

 of July. The great azure campanulas or Can- 

 terbury bells, are there in bloom ; and in chalk 

 or limestone districts there are also now to be 

 found those curious plants the bee and fly 

 orchis. The soul of John Evelyn well might 

 envy us a wood lounge at this period ; 

 All the cool freshness of the humid air ; 



the walk by the border of the brook chiming 

 over the shadow-checquered pebbles, the green 

 and breezy canopy above us, and luxurious 

 thoughts in our hearts. 



Throughout the month, the halloo and 

 clapper of the bird boy, a classical being since 

 the days of Giles Bloomfield, are heard 

 amongst the fields of ripening corn, and to- 

 wards the end of it corn harvest commences. 



