20 FLOWERS AND SEASONS 



been, and is, progressive. In the eighth century it 

 amounted only to three days ; in the thirteenth to 

 eight; in the seventeenth to ten; in the eighteenth 

 to eleven; in the nineteenth to twelve; and in the 

 present century, as aforesaid, to thirteen days. One old 

 saw, however, seems to fit altered dates as accurately as 

 of yore, namely, that which warns us that if March 

 comes in like a lamb, it will go out like a lion. Also, 

 March winds and April showers still bring forth May 

 flowers; but how often and how grievously modern 

 May Day belies the tradition which bids maids go 

 forth at sunrise to prove the cosmetic virtue of the 

 first May dew! Again, May blossom and May flies 

 belong much more to June than to May. I have 

 lately been editing the annals of a famous south- 

 country fishing club, covering a period of more than 

 eighty years. These are greatly enhanced in interest 

 by the diligence wherewith the members of the club 

 have noted annually the reappearance of migratory 

 birds and the first rise of aquatic insects. It is true 

 that a few May flies were generally seen during the last 

 days of May, but the rise never attained its height 

 before the first or second week in June, which, accord- 

 ing to the Julian calendar, would still be reckoned in 

 May. The moral of all this is that in comparing the 

 present character of the seasons with that of bygone 

 centuries, due allowance should be made for the altered 

 style. 



Meanwhile, early flowers are beginning their carnival 

 without regard to human calendars. Snowdrops, 

 usually the earliest harbingers, were late this year. I 



