FEBRUARY loi 



come to the conclusion that the best chance of turning it into a 

 really sound pasture is to sheep it heavily, and afterwards to 

 harrow it and give it a good sprinkling of clover seed. 



The sky last night looked heavy and grey, as thou-^h snow 

 were coming. There was a very fine sunset, the lights upon the 

 Common reflected in long lines and arrows from the clouds above 

 being unusually beautiful. I know of few more curious and 

 dreary sounds — though in a way it is an attractive music enough 

 — than that of the wind rushing through the pine-trees on the Vine- 

 yard Hills as it comes to the ear of the listener standing on the 

 slope below. I can only compare it to that of .i^Eolian harps ; there 

 is the same sweet dreariness about the quality of the note. 



Yesterday was Candlemas Day, and again, if we may trust to 

 proverbs, the farmer's outlook is black enough. For what say the 

 wise saws ? 



The hind had as soon see his wife on her bier 



As on Candlemas Day that the sun should shine clear ; 



which suggests that the average hind is, or used to be, deeply 

 interested in agriculture and not much in his wife. The shepherd, 

 indeed, is, or was, still more decided on the point, for of him it is 



said : 



If Candlemas day be bright and clear, 



The shepherd had rather see his wife on her bier. 



It is a wise proverb that urges, 



Lock in the barn on Candlemas Day 

 Half your corn and half of your hay, 



calling attention as it does to the fact that in this climate the 

 2nd of February is often for all practical purposes mid-winter. 

 Here is another saying : 



If Candlemas Day be fair and bright. 

 Winter will have another flight ; 

 But if it be dark with clouds and rain, 

 Winter is gone and will not come again. 



