THE FIRST BLOSSOM 



March loth 



HAT is the first token of returning spring? 

 It is now almost the ides of March. The 

 winter still rules the landscape, and the fact 

 i*/;\ may yet be emphasized by a snow-storm or a bliz- 

 zard, for the almanac gives Boreas a few days more 

 for mischief. 



But the breath of spring is in the air, even though 

 the meadows be still white with lingering snows. Al- 

 most any day now we may listen confidently for the fine 

 prophetic hum of the first honey-bee. For the bees 

 have felt the vernal prophecy, and have heard whispers 

 of sweets and blossoms in the air. Here is a little 

 swarm of them sipping at the dark stain of sap on the 



