382 



SUMMER. 



arrangement of the cells, the waterproof nature of 

 the cement by which the ligneous fibres are united, 

 and the bouyancy that is given to the whole, so that 

 when the torrent is swollen, it not only floats, but 

 has levity enough to heave up the twig to which it 

 is attached. Idle boys plug up the entrances with 

 clay, and then cut them adrift, and we have seen 

 one carried down a cascade of some elevation 

 without being broken, or even admitting a drop 

 of water. The martins appear to know the hours 

 at which the wasps are most active near their 

 pendent dwellings ; as they are then busy hawking 

 about, and capturing the members of the indus- 

 trious colony; but the nest is proof against them, 

 and is, perhaps, the most singular animal structure 

 which is characteristic of the British summer. 



We have no space for visiting the hay-field, which 

 is so joyous in rustic life ; or, indeed, any of the 

 localities of man in this delightful season. Yet 

 the hay-field is one of the most delightful scenes in 

 England, we say in England, for that is the chosen 

 land of fragrant hay ; and a freshness is diffused over 

 the fields, quite unknown in regions where they are 

 obliged to have recourse to artificial grasses. The 

 scented vernal grass (Anoxanthum Odoratum), at once 

 outdoes all the odours both of the toilette and the 

 garden; and like the kindred perfume of the woodruff, 

 it comes out when the plant begins to dry, and re- 

 mains till the following season. The glee of the hay- 

 makers, too, to whom the epithet " merry," is always 

 applied, and the rich brown of solstitial health which 

 they acquire while carrying on this delightful labour 



