THE SPRING OF 1908 309 



would come we were assured. That the un- 

 seasonable weather would soon be only a memory 

 we felt certain, but at the time we were fully 

 qualified to ask the question : " Where is the 

 Spring ? " 



Curiously enough, May Day signalised its ad- 

 vent in a most remarkable way, for it proved to 

 be quite the first best day of the year. Brilliant 

 Summer-like weather prevailed, and from every 

 copse, meadow, lane, and hedgerow the birds- 

 Nightingales, Cuckoos, Tree Pipits, Greater 

 Whitethroats, Swallows, Martins, Chiff Chaffs, 

 Willow Wrens, Redstarts, and other feathered 

 creatures — made joyous melody. The early Butter- 

 flies — Brimstones, Small Garden Whites, and 

 Small Tortoiseshells — came forth from their 

 hibernating quarters; the Bees gathered nectar 

 and pollen from the flowers; the Primroses had a 

 new lease of life ; the Bluebells blossomed and the 

 Cowslips reared their stately heads above the 

 grassy bank sides, and all Nature seemed pleased. 

 A wonderful effect, too, the weather had upon 

 human beings! Every one seemed better in 

 health and temper — it is remarkable how cheerful 

 the sun makes us feel — but it was a long, dreary 

 wait we experienced throughout the lone Winter 

 and early Spring days until the advent of one of 

 the most glorious May-days within living recollec- 

 tion. 



