'TWIXT COLD AND HEAT. 87 



man can desire," and so would provide me a comforta- 

 ble means of getting to the ground. But very soon my 

 arms rebelled and I was forced to relinquish my hold. 

 It was, to be sure, a matter of one chance in a hundred, 

 but, as it happened, proved a success. I fell forward 

 flatly upon the bough, and secured a firm hold, without 

 a scratch or bruise. Slowly I dragged myself forward 

 towards the trunk of the tree, and, once grasping it, was 

 so eager to feel tlie firm earth under me that I could 

 not take time to clamber down. I gave a jump, and 

 touched Mother Earth with a cry of joy. But the eggs 

 — alas ! I had swallowed them. 



May, then, becomes a full month to the rambler. 

 What with animal life, then exhibiting its most striking 

 features, the vegetable world in the climax of its activity, 

 and archaeological researches then prosecuted to the best 

 advantage, time will not hang heavily on the hands of 

 him who loves a quiet stroll along the bluff that guards, 

 the woods that conceal, and the meadows that bound 

 Poaetquissings. 



