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BIRDS AND FLOWERS. 



"Hast thou named all the birds without a gun? 

 Loved the wood-rose, and left it on its stalk? 

 At rich men's tables eaten bread and pulse? 



* * * * * * 

 O, be my friend, and teach me to be thine!" 



Notwithstanding- the encroachments of the city and 

 the slaughter of the woods, the township of Concord 

 is still rich in wild flowers, and especially favored in 

 certain varieties that are not common everywhere. 



The study of Nature can be begun at any season of 

 the year. Kemember that it is always interesting out 

 of doors. The trees are never more beautiful than 

 in winter ; and it is good to watch the swelling of the 

 buds when the ground is deep with snow. Pussy wil- 

 lows can be found in February; perhaps earlier, if 

 the sun is strong ; but the first flower of spring is un- 

 doubtedly the odoriferous skunk cabbage which is all 

 well enough if you let it alone. There is something 

 inspiring about the vivid green of this sturdy spike, 

 and, though as a decorative blossom it is doubtless a 

 failure, its minute flowers under their purplish sheath 

 give a promise of good things coming. 



When it comes to attractive blossoms, the hepatica 

 and the trailing arbutus are probably first in season 

 about here. They may be found in March, under 



