Springtime and Other Essays

This ebook was transcribed by Les Bowler.
BY SIR FRANCIS DARWIN
AUTHOR OF “RUSTIC SOUNDS” AND OTHER ESSAYS
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
LONDON JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET, W.
1920
All rights reserved
The above illustrations are all taken from “ Old English Instruments of Music ,” by the kind permission of Canon Galpin .
TO F. C. C.
“Why, then comes in the sweet o’ the year.” — Autolycus’ Song .
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 months—an autumnal and a vernal hand—December 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 lady’s 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