UNCLE IN ENGLAND. 133 



could not go out of doors with any comfort, and 

 as I had a little cold, I stayed in the house for a 

 few days ; so I was the more surprised at seeing 

 what a change has taken place. The wheat- 

 fields look greener than ever ; the buds of the 

 lilac and sycamore are swelling, and the woodbine 

 leaves are actually bursting open. The flower- 

 buds on the mezereon, which Mary showed me 

 last September, are now opening ; and a few 

 scattered flowers, which are quite blown out, 

 shew us their pretty pink faces, and promise a 

 delightful smell. But, more than all, the snow- 

 drops have already appeared, and in the shel- 

 tered spots there are many bunches of them 

 quite opened. It is the most innocent, modest 

 looking little flower; and with its pure and 

 delicate white, forms a charming contrast to the 

 dirty appearance of the walks. 



The snow-drop blooms 

 Ere winter's storms are past, 



As she shrinks below 



Her mantle of snow 

 And trembling shuns the blast. 



Feb. 1st. Dreary as this season is, I find it 

 better than I had expected ; but, indeed, there is 

 so much pursuit and rational occupation in this 

 house, that it is impossible to feel any day 

 gloomy. 



We have now a return of frost, and besides 

 those birds which venture into the house, there 

 are several others which crowd round it in flocks 



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