THE NYMPHS 



soms out of their blankets, or the pussy-willow 

 lifts its fur, the mourning-cloak bravely leaves its 

 winter quarters ; it flutters out into the sunshine 

 that filters down through the leafless trees, and 

 seeks a little refreshment wherever the sap-tides 

 push through bruised bark ; or it rests on some 

 bare mossy mound with a southern exposure and 



w ' if 



Fig. 35. — The mourning-cloak. 



spreads out its yellow-banded purple wings in an 

 effort to get what warmth it may from the March 

 sun. How the winter-tired eyes are gladdened 

 by this courageous flutterer must be known by 

 experience rather than by description. We are 

 glad that our European neighbors also have the 

 mourning-cloak as a sign of returning spring. 

 The wider its cheer is extended the better for all. 

 11 149 



