end of this month it has generally laid its eggs, and begun to sit. The following anecdote, shewing its attachment to its nest, is related by Mr. White in his Natural History of Selborne. "In the centre of this grove there stood an oak, which, though shapely and tall on the whole, bulged out into a large excrescence about the middle of the stem. On this a pair of ravens had fixed their residence for so many years, that the oak was distinguished by the name of the raven-tree. Many were the attempts of the neighbouring youths to get at this nest; the difficulty whetted their inclinations, and each was ambitious of performing the arduous task. But, when they arrived at the swelling, it jutted out so much in their way, and was so far beyond their grasp, that the most daring lads were awed, and acknowledged the undertaking to be too hazardous. So the ravens built on, nest upon nest, in perfect security, till the fatal day arrived in which the wood was to be levelled. It was in the month of February, when those birds usually sit. The saw was applied to the butt, the wedges were inserted into the opening, the woods echoed to the heavy blows of the beetle and mallet, the tree

nodded to its fall, but still the dam sat on. At last, when it gave way, the bird was flung from her nest; and, though her parental affection deserved a better fate, was whipped down by the twigs, which brought her dead to the ground.'

The farmer is impatient to begin his work in the fields, as soon as the ground is sufficiently thawed. He ploughs up his fallows, sows beans and pease, rye and spring wheat; sets early potatoes; drains wet lands; dresses and repairs hedges; lops trees, and plants those kinds that love a wet soil, such as poplars, alders, and willows.

37

MARCH.

Winter, still ling'ring on the verge of Spring,
Retires reluctant, and from time to time,
Looks back, while at his keen and chilling breath,
Fair Flora sickens.

་་་་་་་

THE principal operations of nature during this month seem to be to dry up the superabundant moisture of February, thereby preventing the roots and seeds from rotting in the wet earth, and gradually to bring on the swelling buds; though, at the same time, severe chilling blasts and the variableness in the weather prevent them from a full disclosure of their tender contents. This effect is beautifully touched upon in a simile of Shakespeare's:

"And, like the tyrannous breathings of the north, "Checks all our buds from blowing."

C

This seeming tyranny, however, is to be regarded as productive of very important advantages; and those years generally prove most fruitful, in which the pleasing appearances of spring are the latest; for the more advanced the season, the less probability is there of blights and insects, which are the most formidable of all enemies to springing vegetables.

The sun has now acquired so much power, that on a clear day we often feel all the genial influence of spring, though the naked shrubs and trees give the prospect the comfortless appearance of winter. But soft pleasant weather in March is not often of long duration.

As yet the trembling year is unconfirm'd,
And winter oft at eve resumes the breeze,

Chills the pale morn, and bids his driving sleets
Deform the day, delightless.

THOMSON.

As soon as a few dry days have made the land fit for working, the farmer goes to the plough; and if the fair weather continues, proceeds to sow barley and oats; though this business is seldom finished till the next month. The importance of a dry season for getting the seed early and favour