as well as for beauties of its own, has a particular claim on 

 our notice. Closely following in the train of this humble 

 pioneer comes the common Primrose (Primula vulgaris), 



with its wrinkled 

 leaves, the known 

 and loved of all. 

 As its salver-shaped 

 blossoms (which 

 h av e given their 

 name to a colour) 

 lighten up the grassy 

 slopes of field and 

 lane, bright hopes 

 are awakened in the 

 breasts of old and 

 young, for they are a token and a pledge that sullen 

 winter is at last vanquished, and that victorious spring 

 soon to be crowned with garlands has taken possession of 

 the earth. Worthy companion of the Primrose is the 

 Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), a white star of six 

 rays, with golden stamens and dark-green foliage. This is 

 the Wind Flower of many lands. Profusely mingling with 

 these appears the Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria), 

 with its bright yellow flowers of eight or nine petals, whose 

 praises have been so beautifully sung by Wordsworth. 

 These three alone give a gay appearance to the banks ; and, 

 as no school-girl, with shining morning face, passes through 

 the lane, they are permitted to bud and bloom unmolested, 

 and remain for a considerable time to cheer the eye and 

 gladden the heart. 



But they do not remain long in sole possession of the 

 banks. Early in April there are other occupants. Then 



