XVm. INTRODUCTION. 



and extending into the next, terminates in Lent, 

 hereafter to be described. 



TEMPUS HYBERNALE, the HYBERNAL 



SEASON. 



Astronomy. — i^' Jan. 20, rises at VII.46, 

 sets IV. 14. 



O K Feb. 19, rises at VI. 55, sets V. 5. 



Capella is now seen in the north east, and the 

 Twins seem to follow one another up the sky. 

 Syrius still makes a conspicuous figure, and Orion's 

 girdle is to be seen* 



Weather. — The weather of this period is 

 for the most part cold and changeable. The pro- 

 verb that as the days lengthen the cold strengthens, 

 is found to be too true. But in some seasons mild 

 weather and rain produce a Candlemas flood, when 

 all the marsh lands are under water. This period 

 closes with those sudden alternations of snow and 

 hail showers, wind, sunfits, and other changes, 

 ■which verify the proverb " February fiUdyke" and 

 " March many weather," as applied to both months; 

 Very cold bleak winds often close this period. 

 ■ ■■ Natural History. — Larks now congregatcj 

 and fly to the warm stubble for shelter ; and the 

 nuthatch is heard. The slug makes its appearance 



