Springtime and Other Essays

Governesses used to tell us that the seasons of the year each consist of three months, and of these March, April, and May make the springtime. I should like to break the symmetry, and give February to spring, which would then include February, March, April, and May. It has been said that winter is but autumn shyly shaking hands with spring. We will, accordingly, make winter a short link of two monthsan autumnal and a vernal handDecember and January. It is a little sad for autumn to have to make room for chill November alongside of the happier months of September and October. But autumn is a season of decadence and cannot justly complain. The autumnal flowers, which may be allowed to figure as a prelude to spring, are few in number. My favourite is ladys tresses (Spiranthes), so called from the spiral twist in its inflorescence, which suggests braided hair. Gentiana amarella I should like to include, but its flowering-time is from 12th August to 8th September, and summer has the p. 2stronger claim on it. Other autumnal flowers are laurustinus and ivy. If we go by the mean date nothing flowers in October or November, and in December only the Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) is recorded by Blomefield. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 33668
Author: Darwin, Francis
Release Date: Sep 7, 2010
Format: eBook
Language: English