i INTRODUCTION 35 



In July we have the summer flowers. 



" August the golden grain. 



" September " the fruit. 



" October the autumn tints. 



" November " the hoar frost on trees 



and the pure snow. 



" December last not least, the holi- 



days of Christmas, 

 and the bright fire- 

 side. 



It is well to begin the year in January, 

 for we have then before us all the hope of 

 spring. 



Oh wind, 

 If winter comes, can spring be long behind? 1 



Spring seems to revive us all. In the Song 

 of Solomon 



My beloved spake, and said unto me, 



Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. 



For, lo, the winter is past, 



The rain is over and gone ; 



The flowers appear on the earth ; 



The time of the singing of birds is come, 



The voice of the turtle is heard in our land, 



The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, 



And the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. 



1 Shelley. 



