CALENDAR, 1820. 399 



Severe cases of small pox have again appeared: and, in 

 general, I have noticed also an unusual prevalence of inflam- 

 matory complaints. 



29th. I noticed the Beeches and Oaks very destitute of 

 decayed leaves this winter, owing, probably, to the late 

 severe frost. The ground about Godstone, and all the way 

 to Outwood, and about East Grinstead, is remarkably swampy, 

 deep, and heavy to ride over. I scarcely ever remember it 

 worse. 



FEB. 1st. Dead Nettle and Groundsel here and there 

 seen in flower. The Fieldfares are nearly all gone from the 

 gardens and yards near the house. In, general, the number 

 of small birds seems greatly diminished since December. 



5th. I observed, at Walthamstow, Snowdrops abund- 

 antly in flower this morning. 



10th. Some Crocuses Creel vernales and the yellow 

 Narcissus Tazetla in blow in the house. Weather mild and 

 open. Likewise a few Snowdrops. Very large coveys of 

 birds are still seen in this neighbourhood. And Wild Ducks 

 abound in the ponds and marie pits filled with water. 



15th. Some other varieties of Narcissus begin to appear 

 in a warm room. Out of doors there is scarce any indication 

 of spring yet, the season being backwarder than last year. 



Narcissus laetus, N. Tazetta, &c. in blow in the house. 

 Bullfinches become numerous in the gardens. 



23d. Galanthus nivalls and Heleborus hyemalis in flower 

 in the open ground at Maresfield. The birds begin to sing 

 early and late. Some Crocuses Croci vernales in blow under 

 shelter of the house. 



26th. A return of N. E. Wind, and showers of sleet in 

 the morning, which was very raw and cold. Hyacinthus 

 orientalis in blow in the house. 



