Part 12

Surrey and Hants.

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When the wind blows from N.E.--a uniformly dry quarter during the week of the vernal equinox--it is an all but unfailing guide to the general character of the ensuing season.

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Our vernal signs the Ram begins, Then comes the Bull, in May the Twins; The Crab in June, next Leo shines, And Virgo ends the northern signs. The Balance brings autumnal fruits, The Scorpion stings, the Archer shoots; December's Goat brings wintry blast, Aquarius rain, the Fish come last.

E. C. Brewer.

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Spring is here when you can tread on nine daisies at once on the village green.

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There is a saying that if boys be beaten with an elder stick it hinders their growth.

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When our Lord falls in our Lady's lap England will meet with a great mishap.

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There is a tradition amongst New Forest gipsies that you must not soap your face on Good Friday, as it is said that soapsuds were thrown in Our Lord's face on the day of His Crucifixion.

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Thou wilt remember one warm morn when winter Crept aged from the earth, and spring's first breath Blew soft from the moist hills; the blackthorn boughs, So dark in the bare wood, when glistening In the sunshine were white with coming buds, Like the bright side of a sorrow, and the banks Had violets opening from sleep like eyes.

Browning.

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If apples bloom in March, In vain for 'um you'll sarch; If apples bloom in April, Why then they'll be plentiful; If apples bloom in May, You may eat 'um night and day.

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From whatever quarter the wind blows on Palm Sunday, it will continue to blow for the greater part of the coming summer.

Hants.

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As many days of fog in March, so many days of frost in May, on corresponding days.

Hants.

In Spring a tub of rain makes a spoonful of mud. In Autumn a spoonful of rain makes a tub of mud.

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There is a tradition that twin lambs are scarce in Leap Year.