CHAPTER III. 



MARCH. 



WE are now entering upon our Entomological cam- 

 paign in good earnest; sharp, biting January has 

 passed, and " February fill dyke" no longer throws 

 his snowy mantle over the earth, burying the face 

 of nature under a garment of dazzling whiteness but 

 still, although we have entered upon a spring month, 

 we are reminded by unmistakeable signs that it is the 

 first of them, for stern old winter still does battle 

 bravely for the ascendancy disputing with blue-eyed 

 spring the dominion of this hemisphere resolutely 

 refusing to retire to his icy northern caves without a 

 struggle. No sooner does spring with mild and genial 

 hand " unlock the icy fetters of the brook" cause the 

 sap to rise, and entice the pale primrose to unfold its 

 buds than " whew" with the force of an avalanche, 

 and the malice of a fury, the icy tyrant sends forth 

 from his gelid caves the furious northern blast, wither- 

 ing all beneath its paralyzing touch and so the battle 

 rages, spring meekly retiring before the onslaught of 

 her merciless opponent, until, worn out with useless 

 bluster, and the gentle, but effectual, power of his 

 meek-eyed rival, the northern bully retires to his icy 

 caves and spring resumes her sway. 

 c5 



