EARLY SPRING 283 



Easter Sunday came before the golden anthers 

 of the Sallow (commonly called Palm) were ready 

 to burst and give to this tree that really beautiful 

 appearance which those who know it always 

 associate with it. 



This is one of the chief insect feasts of the year ; 

 the others that may be mentioned being when the 

 Bramble is in blossom, as well as the sweet- 

 scented Lime, and the Ivy in the late Autumn. 

 These are the four great banqueting feasts of the 

 insect world, although when the aromatic Honey- 

 suckle is in blossom, many Moths bearing a long 

 tongue or proboscis are attracted at nightfall to 

 the sweet nectar secreted within the flowers. 



The Coltsfoot was a perfect picture early in 

 April. This is a plant that particularly appre- 

 ciates the sunshine. Wet, blustering weather in 

 Springtime does not suit the Coltsfoot a little bit, 

 for the beautiful yellow florets fail to expand 

 properly. Given a plentiful supply of sun, how- 

 ever, a colony of Coltsfoot in full flower is a sight 

 worthy of an artist's brush — the yellow flowers 

 being borne at the summit of a stifl-built stalk, 

 and starring the brown earth with unmistakable 

 beauty. 



In early Spring one hardly knows which way to 

 turn, for there are so many interesting animals 

 and plants worth watching and listening to. 



I do want you to know the Tree Pipit, however. 



