charles] CALENDAR FORMS 75- 



lions, chickweed, spring beauty and Isopyrum, two or three weeks 

 ahead of time, may possibly be found in bloom by persistent 

 searchers. Snowdrop and crocus in bloom in yard or garden. 



Slugs appear on sidewalk; a stray giant water bug may be 

 captured. As the frost leaves the ground (in early seasons) 

 frogs may be heard croaking, and salamanders or earthworms 

 seen. 



The vernal equinox attracts us into astronomical fields. 



The thrill of the redwinged blackbird is a new and welcome- 

 note in birdom. 



Fourth Week — 



The weather is "fitty" ; the sun's smile serves only to remind 

 us that snow and wind are in reserve. However, spring gains- 

 many recruits this week. 



New bird arrivals are the fox sparrow, kildeer, kingfisher 

 and phoebe. Robins, j uncos, golden-crowned kinglets and chick- 

 adees are still gregarious. Bluebird and redheaded woodpecker 

 nesting; flicker and phoebe abundant; white-breasted nuthatches 

 seen in pairs ; possibly an early morning dove. 



Soft maple and American (white) elm break into bloom, and 

 perhaps the slippery (red) elm joins these before April arrives. 

 Leaf buds of lilac, box elder and wild gooseberry open. 



Pasque flower blossoms; now and then a dandelion or shep- 

 herd's purse ; transplanted in the wild flower garden, the hepatica 

 or rue anemone may be in early bloom. Lilies and bleeding hearts 

 in the garden and catnip, cinquefoil and other herbs of the field 

 show rapidly growing foliage. 



Occasional insects flying; crayfish mating. 



The lawn is to be raked, fertilized and rolled. 



Reviewing now these weekly summaries to obtain sugges- 

 tions for topics for nature lessons, we whiff the air of the out-of- 

 doors. Though the weather is fickle, there are many days that 

 coax us into the open while Dame Nature is still rubbing her eyes- 

 and before she is fully awakened. 



Of all the March happenings that which most appeals to us 

 is the arrival of the leaders in the great northward movement 

 of the birds. Meteorological observations are opportune, and of 

 especial interest in connection with migration data. The sorry 

 movements of the rudely awakened housefly suggest the problems- 

 of the winter and spring as they present themselves to insects. 



