Fig. 94. LOCUST. 



EARLY SUMMER. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 



"Nunc formosissimus annus." 



IN February appears the Grape Hyacinth or Starch 

 Hyacinth (Muscari, Fig. 95), with its close cluster of 

 dark blue beads. I have seen it as early as the 8th. 

 There are certain flowers which mark a stage in the 

 course of the revolving year, just as there are events 

 which make a period in the little cycle of our lives. 

 When the first specimen of Muscari is brought in 

 from some sheltered spot, the weary invalid may take 

 it as a welcome sign that the sun is gaining power, 

 and that the forces of the Winter are in full retreat. 

 On old book-stalls and in the window of some 

 village stationer's, you may often see curious little 

 books with ornamental binding. They explain the 

 <e Language of Flowers": The Wallflower is puffed up 



17 



