HAILING FAR SUMMER 375 



were already lengthening into the ' lambs' tails ' that attract 

 children's eyes ; but they do not grow ripe with pollen-dust 

 until some time in February. The hour when they need 

 their pollen is when the minute but vivid crimson blossom 

 thrusts out from the end of the leaf buds to receive it, shaken 

 by the wind ; and the female blossom of the hazel does 

 not usually appear until March, though it can be found in 

 February in very early seasons. The pollen of the catkins is 

 ready a little beforehand, and in many places is ripe before 

 the end of February for the March winds to sow broadcast 

 among the twigs set with fertile stars. 



