APRIL. 85 



like small tufts. They much resemble the Tadpole of the Frog, but 

 as they increase in size are easily distinguished from them by the 

 appearance of the front pair of legs, whereas in Frog Tadpole the 

 hind pair put in an appearance first. As time goes on the ills 

 disappear, and the Newt breathes by means of lungs. It is said that 

 if the Tadpoles are kept in a vessel containing water from which they 

 cannot escape they retain their gills, the lungs never being developed. 

 Occasionally the Newt casts off its old skin (a new one having been 

 previously formed underneath ready to take its place), sometimes in 

 pieces, at others whole. A female which I kept last year cast her 

 skin in one piece, and by floating it out in water, and inserting a 

 piece of stout paper underneath, I succeeded in obtaining a good 

 specimen. It exactly resembles its former owner, but looks more like 

 a pencil drawing than a skin." 



19th. Another lovely day, warm, and at times the heat quite 

 oppressive. Skylark singing, also Song Thrush. Hedgerows mostly 

 green now. Light until 7.4-5 p.m. No wind. I saw a Bat in the 

 garden at eight o'clock. First one I have seen out this season. 

 Primrose Day and they are in their beauty now. Plum blossom out, 

 also Red Currant; the Black Currant blossom is later in showing itself. 



How grand to be out and about early on an April morn, when 

 all the rest of the world is asleep ! 



"But who the melodies of morn can tell? 



The wild brook babbing down the mountain side; 



The lowing herd ; the sheepfold's simple bell ; 



The pipe .of early shepherd dim descried 



In the lone valley ; echoing far and wide 



The clamorous horn along the cliffs above; 



The hollow murmur of the ocean tide; 



The hum of Bees ; the Linnet's lay of love ; 



And the full choir that wakes the universal grove ! " 



And then again 



" Oh, how can I renounce the boundless store 

 Of charms which Nature to her votary yields ? 

 The warbling woodland, the resounding shore, 

 The pomp of groves, the garniture of fields, 

 All that the genial ray of morning gilds?" 



20th- Another Summer-like day. Several Hairy Caterpillars in 

 the garden. The Cuckoo is one of the few birds which eats these 

 Caterpillars, so that as his food is about, he himself should soon be 

 here. Doubtless he is by this time, but the cold winds at Easter kept 

 his voice mute. 



Hedge Sparrow singing-. 



