May and Early June 



of the May-apple are now unfurled. With 

 each step the tiny blue-veined blossoms 

 of the speedwell fling us " bon voyage. " 

 More purple than blue are the delicate, 

 yellow-centred blossoms of the blue-eyed 

 grass, growing in thick, close tufts. When 

 the sun is clouded, or if they are picked, 

 the little blue eyes close tightly and only 

 the restored sunlight will tempt them to 

 open again. These are little sisters of 

 the stately blue flag, which begins to tinge 

 with rich color the swampy meadows. 

 " Born to the purple " indeed is the flag, 

 or fleur-de-lis, full of vigor and self-con- 

 fidence. I cannot sympathize with Tho- 

 reau's assertion that it is " loose and 

 coarse in its habit," " too showy and 

 gaudy, like some women's bonnets." 



In open sunny places prevail the vari- 

 ous shades of yellow. I once heard some 

 one say that he " couldn't like yellow 

 flowers, they looked so cheap ! ' ' And 

 even Wordsworth, ever -faithful celebrant 



35 



