CHAPTER X 



THE MAGIC OF THE SEASONS 



IP we follow the Calendar. Spring commences on March 21st, 

 Summer June 22nd, Autumn September 23rd, and Winter 

 December 22nd. Now, my lifelong experience as a field naturalist 

 has taught me that these Calendar dates are not to be relied 

 upon, and it is with real difficulty that one is able to point out 

 the seasonal line of demarcation that exists. The clock of 

 Nature has such a large dial, and the hands go round so quickly, 

 that, for at least six months out of the twjjve, it is well-nigh 

 impossible for one individual to tell the tiptvdth any degree 

 of certainty. Yet, in spite of this word of warning, I find that 

 the seasons are always faithful, though sometimes, when Winter 

 lingers and Spring hesitates, it needs a stout heart to go forward 

 in confidence for the coming of the May. In any case, the magic 

 accompanying the arrival, be it early or late, is something to 

 be remembered, and this is especially so to those who have 

 watched constantly all through the dark days of Winter for 

 Spring's assured awakening. 



The story of the circling year is entrancing in its constant 

 variety, and unwearying patience. The study of outdoor life 

 is such a continuous round of pleasure that the keen observer 

 hardly notices the marking off, as it were, of one season from 

 another. This is most noticeable, of course, between Spring and 

 Summer, and late Summer and early Autumn. Between 

 Autumn and Winter, again, there is difficulty of differentiation, 

 for, as I watch the stumpy male catkins developing upon the 

 Hazel, even before the nuts have browned in the mellow days 

 of September, I know that Winter has not come, but that evidence 

 of Spring is here ! So, too, in mid- Winter do I discover evidence 

 of that which is to be, for, in December, or early January, I 

 undertake a pilgrimage to find the scented Winter Heliotrope 

 in full blossom, or watch the young Lambs frolic round their 

 dames. 



There is often as in the memorable Winter-Spring of 1916-7 



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