NATURE IN APRIL. 

 I. 



THE advent of April is welcome more especially so because 

 of the Summer visitors which arrive during the month. I heard 

 the delicate little Chiff Chaff on the 2nd, but it was reported 

 some days previously. How glorious is an April morn when 

 ushered in by warm, sunny weather, and things in the garden 

 are all astir. The Oak, Ash, and Chestnut are bursting, together 

 with the Sycamore. The Blackthorn is in bloom, and the 

 Hawthorn is fully green in sheltered spots, and will be in fairest 

 verdure clad before the month is out. 



This is the season of the Almond blossom, which appears 

 before the leaves. Was ever anything more beautiful than the 

 pink and white blossoms which toss to and fro in the gentle 

 breezes, like so many Butterflies toying in the air? Was ever 

 the Chaffinch in more exquisite plumage than at this season? 

 I found a finished nest on April 2nd, but it was in a most 

 exposed situation, and stood a poor chance of success I am 

 afraid. The beautiful nest of this bird, so clearly defined in 

 our illustration, is a Nature Study in itself. How pleasant to 

 watch the Nuthatch just now, as he scampers round and round 

 the trunks and branches, and, hard by, to listen to the "cheep* 



