304 VOICES FROM THE WOODLANDS. 



and in former days they were worn as amulets. Even now, 

 in remote villages, the simple peasantry occasionally regard 

 them with some degree of veneration, as mentioned in an 

 old calendar, published at least two hundred years since : 



" Observe when first the hazel 'gins to bloom : 

 Go to her haunt, and bend a branch ; if this 

 Proves fruitful, such shall be thy corn's increase, 

 And in great heat huge harvests shall be found ; 

 But if with leaves alone the branch abound, 

 Then shalt thou thrash a chaffy stalk in vain." 



Different kinds of insects find in me a friend that never 

 deserts them. The brindle spider and December moths 

 are always welcome ; and that very uncommon insect, the 

 Apion ruficorne, dwells contentedly upon my leaves. Many 

 a time have I grieved to see the merciless collector come 

 with his net and basket, and entrap the unsuspicious 

 creature, when calmly resting in her green citadel. Eleven 

 different kinds of insects, also, find a home and food within 

 my kernels; they, too, are welcome, for my hospitable 

 table is widely spread. 



