
          530

plants may bear flowers each year, that the rule is that they
become so exhausted, that they require the next year to
recuperate and therefore bear no flower.  It was while in this wood
that we had a passing shower.  It last but a few minutes.
Although on our original route now we did not keep it long
and were soon entirely off the track.  It was now that I felt
very thirsty and glad I was when we came to an old farm house.
No one seemed to be at home, a little dog alone had been left
on guard.  We soon found the spring-house, but finding in closed
we hesitated on entering so walked to the rear where the 
water left the house.  It was flowing rapidly, so I dug a little
trough with my trowel and when the water was clear,
drank a cup of it.  It had a peculiar "soft" taste as if it
had some alkali in it.  My [Mr.] W. noticed the same peculiar 
taste.  We were therfore satisfied with a small amount.  But
on leaving the spring-house, how surprised were we to find the 
spring in front of the house, the water clear and cold and entirely
tasteless.  After satisfying our thirst we hastened onward.  Passing
under an apple-tree still laden with blossoms we were attracted by 
the loud buzzing of the Bumble-bees, busily engaged getting the nectar
        