288 MY COUNTRY WANDERINGS 



with its blossoms (and note the flowers appear 

 before the leaves), the Lesser Celandine, Black- 

 thorn, and, of course, the sweet-scented March 

 Violet, will all be found by those who take their 

 walks in the country, where there is always so 

 much to be seen and heard. 



In March, too, one of the great floral sights and 

 insect feasts of the year takes place, namely, the 

 blossoming of the Sallow. The golden yellow of 

 the male tree (male and female grow on separate 

 trees) is a perfect sight in the early Spring, and at 

 night-time the Moths come forth from their hiding 

 places and sip the sweet nectar. Sometimes they 

 take in by means of their long proboscis, or tongue, 

 more than is good for them! On a sunshiny day, 

 too, the Bees (both Hive and Humble) visit the 

 Sallow in large numbers. Their pleasing mono- 

 tone is one of the most delightful country sounds; 

 and to see the Humble Bee fussing about, as he is 

 so fond of doing, is worth walking far to see. Just 

 look at him carefully the next time you come across 

 him, dressed in his blue-black velvet uniform with 

 yellow stripes, and tell me if you do not agree 

 with me that he looks like the trim sergeant- 

 major of a smart regiment of Hussars! 



III. THE WOODLAND IN APRIL 



He — that is, my reverend friend, who has for 

 over twenty years faithfully ministered unto his 



