50 FROM A MIDDLESEX GARDEN 



ivren in particular the fluttering of ivy leaves clinging to 

 some aged trunk as they catch the first Spring-breeze rushing 

 through the yet leafless branches. 



But Spring must woo the world to loveliness in her grace- 

 ful fashion for many days ; the daffodils must die, and the 

 land grow to lovely green " before the swallow dares " to cross 

 the sea, again to skim our loved English fields and lanes and 

 rivers. But how often is the promise of Spring a delusion, 

 for March frequently brings the coldest of weather, and when 

 the fulfilment of the year's loveliest season seems almost a 

 reality, Winter returns, recalling such a time as George Mere- 

 dith describes in his " Reading of Earth " : 



" Bursts from a rending East in flaws 



The young green leaflets' harrier, sworn 

 To strew the garden, strip the shaws, 



And show our Spring with banner torn." 



