MIDSUMMER 



69 



Many of these downy leaves seem to repel water 

 altogether, such as those of Yellow Alyssuin and the 

 other tall Mullein (V. olympicum), in whose case the 

 water rolls right off, only lodging where there is a 

 hollow or obstruction. The drops always look brightest 

 on these un-wetting surfaces, and while rolling look 

 like quicksilver. 



Before the rain came it was a puzzle to know what 

 to do with the half-hardy annuals. Although carefully 

 pricked out and well spaced in the pans and boxes, 

 they were growing fast and crowding one another, and 

 we Imew that if put out, the planting would have to be 

 followed up by a daily watering. In a normal season 

 they would have been out a fortnight ago, for it is 

 unusual to have so long a drought so early in the 

 year. 



Any one who is in close sympathy with flower and 

 tree and shrub, and has a general acquaintance with 

 Nature's moods, could tell the time of year to within 

 a few days without any reference to a calendar ; but 

 of all dates it seems to me that Midsummer Day is 

 the one most clearly labelled, by the full and perfect 

 flowering of the Elder. It may be different in more 

 northern latitudes, but in mine, which is about half 

 way between London and the south coast, the Festival 

 of St. John and the flowering of the Elder always come 

 together ; and though other plants, blooming at other 

 seasons, are subject to considerable variation in their 



