INTRODUCTION 



it we are happy ; we are on familiar terms with every tree almost ; we 

 feel somehow that we are part and parcel of the green canopy above and 

 the soft verdure beneath, but when we leave it behind and step out into 

 the wide and often unthinking world, we feel we have lost a friend. Yet 

 we are contented to know that we may, and shall, return to seek com- 

 panionship and fellowship with the trees and flowers again, and thank 

 Heaven that we have imbued within us a sense of the beautiful in Nature's 

 wonders. 



The quietude of summer in the woodland is so entirely different from the 

 full gush of spring, when the re-leafing of the trees, the thrusting above 

 earth's surface of the first flowers, and the fussy courtships of birds engage 

 and occupy one's attention. 



To our mind one of the greatest experiences is to commune with 

 Nature in solitude during the full glow of summer in some sylvan retreat, 

 some lonely copse, some secluded woodland glen. 



HOW TO READ THE STORY OF THE YEAR 



To know and appreciate a wood properly, and to be on intimate terms 

 of acquaintance with trees, birds, and flowers, it is essential to walk 

 lovingly and trustfully with them at all seasons of the year. 



It has been our pleasant and profitable enjoyment to ramble through 

 woodlands far from the madding crowd for many years past, and through- 

 out the whole year. It is only by this means that one can appreciate the 

 rich charm of Nature, and be able to piece together in a humble way the 

 great story of the year. 



As a result one indelibly associates the environment of a bird, an insect, 



a flower, or other inhabitant of the fairyland of living things, with the 



particular object one has in mind. When we think of the wood wren we 



at once associate it with a Beechwood, among the stately temples and 



avenues of which this bird delights to pass the summer hours. 



When we think of squirrels and jays, of golden-crested wrens and 



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