OCTOBER THE WITCHING 45 



we say more benignant? Such sudden, assertiv* 

 prodigality of joyous gifts as those conveyed by 

 genial "Hosee" is liable to become embarrassing. 

 Our Lady of the Spring has sudden little ways of 

 her own ; but, in a general aspect, she makes up her 

 mind with commendable tact. 



That decision may be made in July. In the fol- 

 lowing month there are agitated whisperings among 

 the birds and bush flowers, and so the renascence 

 goes gently on and on through wilful August and 

 splendid September until, in the witching month 

 of October, the laughter of bird and bloom is at its 

 merry height. The promise of Spring is fulfilled. 



But, mark you, if that withdrawal of the veil of 

 Winter is gentle, it is none the less sure and steady. 

 Twelve years or so ago a Victorian bush-boy spent 

 something over a month in Melbourne. September 

 came to the city. There was new life in the air, a 

 subtle but perfectly distinct breath from "where the 

 good winds blow . . . over the hills and far 

 away." Soon began an interesting little conflict 

 between city and bush. Had there been any doubt 

 as to the issue, it would have been decided by the 

 recollection that, "up there," the Rufous Whistler, 

 newly arrived from the North, was pouring out its 

 exultant heart to speeding September. What siren 

 voice of the city has the potency of that call? 



There were myriad lights on the great white road, 



And a voice that called me, "Stay!" 

 But the inland breeze whispered down to me 

 With the sound of trees and a melody 



That the breeze and the grasses play . . . 



It was then, when the arms of the bush opened to 

 receive back the youthful Nature-lover, that vivid 



