290 ROUND THE YEAR 



fir-cones, in the invisible eggs of Insects, in countless 

 particles that we cannot distinguish from dust and 

 sand and rotting leaves. The very ground, frozen 

 hard and covered with grey stubble, is rich in hope, 

 and holds the promise of many a spring to come. 



FIG. 72. Flowering branch of Hazel (see p. 81). 



