XN APRIL. 235 



APRIL. 



(< NovV stormy skies with milder influence shine, 

 And winter, banish'd, seeks the northern clime : 

 The earth, revived, a cheerful aspect wears 

 The gentle bird returns the fragrant flower appears." 



APRIL generally begins with raw, unpleasant 

 weather, the influence of the equinoctial storms still, 

 in some degree, prevailing ; but its vicissitudes of 

 warm gleams of sun shine and gentle showers have 

 the most powerful effects in hastening that universal 

 springing of the vegetable tribes, whence the season 

 of spring derives its appellation. 



Early in the month that welcome guest and har- 

 binger of summer, the swallow, returns. The chim- 

 ney or house swallow, known by its long, forked tail,, 

 and red breast, is first seen; and as this bird lives 

 on insects, its appearance is a certain proof that some 

 of that minute tribe of animals are come abroad from 

 their winter retreats. 



In this month the groves resound with the various 

 melody of the birds. 



" The blackbird, woodlark, and the thrush, 



Unite with those of feebler voice ; 

 Whose chants resound from bush to bush, 



To rouse all nature to rejoice. 



Whilst nature seems to hear the sound, 



Flowers, herbs, shrubs, trees, put forth their headsj 



To ask, what have you, warblers, found 

 Tc make you singis winter fled ? 



