II. 



FIRST-COMERS. 



THE 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 ram- 

 bles 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 indication of approaching 

 spring is eagerly scanned, and is hailed with delight. The 

 slow decay of the ice in the ponds, the vivid green of the 

 aquatic plants disclosed by its melting, the delicate herbage 

 hiding under the sodden leaves, the gummy and bursting 

 buds, all presage the charms of reviving nature. Then the 

 sounds awake. The frogs bid each other good-morning af- 

 ter their long sleep ; the lowing of calves and the bleating 

 of lambs resound from the hill-sides; the tender warble of 

 the bluebird, the cheery call of the robin, and the gurgle 



