Coming of 



oped into full-fledged expectation. The first 

 primroses, chionodoxas, and polyanthus are also 

 in flower, whilst the rhododendrons, azaleas, 

 cherries, the older anemones, daffodils, and other 

 trees and bulbs have pushed out their healthy 

 flower-buds. Many of the irises, hyacinths, tulips, 

 narcissus, delphiniums, campanulas, sweet-will- 

 iams, Canterbury bells, and pansies show vig- 

 orous new growth; and the leaf -buds have 

 swollen and are opening on roses, honeysuckle, 

 Billy Button, clematis, lilacs, and others. The 

 hawthorn will soon be ready to burst, and on one 

 patch of hedge, which is always the earliest, the 

 buds are unfolding into little fresh green leaves. 

 The crimson ramblers are covered with new ver- 

 dure, and the protected seedlings of annuals are 

 giving promise in thousands. The early sweet- 

 peas have braved the winter, by the aid of a little 

 protecting straw, are two to three inches above 

 ground, and have been " sticked." 



If all this, when I am now writing on the loth 



of March, is not stronger evidence than the bald 



and unsupported statement that " spring com- 



mences " on the 2ist of March, may some of my 



103 



