THE PROGRESS OF THE SEASONS. 321 



5 — 10. Very variable ; much rain. 



11. First salmon brought to market from the sea at 

 Margaret's Bay. Several flocks of wild geese pass over 

 to the eastward. A few robins (Turdus migratorius) 

 seen. It is uncertain whether these are new comers, as 

 many have remained aU winter around the Halifax 

 peninsula. 



14. The fine, warm weather of past few days dis- 

 pelled by a northerly snow-storm^, with 14° of frost at 

 night. Western salmon become more plentiful in the 

 market. The fur of the hare assuming its summer colour, 

 showing patches of light brown interspersed with the 

 white. 



• 19. Mild and clear, after rains. Ice on the lakes 

 becomes very rotten, and unsafe for travelling. The rusty 

 grakle (Quiscalus ferrugineus), locally termed blackbird, 

 arrives. Immense quantities of sea-fish, comprising cod, 

 haddock, and halibut, brought to market. Woodcock 

 arrives. Robins frequently seen in open spots in the 

 woods near the sea. Snowbird (Fringilla nivalis) arrives. 

 A few have remained all winter. 



23, 24. Easterly wind, with snow. Sleighs out again 

 in the streets. 



26. Fine and mild. 



27. Very fine and pleasant. The song sparrow (F. 

 melodia) is heard frequently. Grass on sloping banks 

 becoming green. Robins find worms at the surface. 

 Maple-trees (Acer saccharinum) tapped by sugar makers. 



30 — 31. Cold rains, with N.E. wind. Many moose 

 killed by settlers in woods near Annapolis, where the 

 snow still continues deep. 



