VI 



BABY LEAVES 



When the early spring days begin to grow 

 warm and bright, it is well to keep an eye on the 

 swelling leaf buds. How they stretch and 

 glisten — a myriad of twinkling colors in the 

 sun ! Soon the scales, whose work is done, drop 

 off and drift away. Then 



"The maple crimsons to a coral reef: 

 Then saffern swarms swing off from all the willers, 

 So plump they look like yaller caterpillars. 

 Then gray hoss-chestnuts little hands unfold, 

 Softer 'n a baby's be at three days old." 



How interesting it all is! The little "hoss- 

 chestnut" babies, wear woolen mittens. The 

 leaves of the poplar, the mountain ash, and the 

 pear tree are as downy as newly hatched duck- 

 lings. Many others are carefully protected 

 with little furry coats and bits of wool. These 

 drop off as the days go by, and soon the baby 

 leaves stand naked in the breeze. 



How lovely they are ! The little maple leaves 

 are tinged with crimson or purple; the oaks 



49 



