Part 15

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"Cuckoo! cuckoo!" The first we've heard! "Cuckoo! cuckoo!" God bless the bird Scarce time to take his breath, And now "Cuckoo!" he saith. Cuckoo! cuckoo! three cheers! And let the welkin ring! He has not folded wing Since last he saw Algiers.

T. E. Brown.

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April fifteenth, first swallow day.

Sussex.

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He comes! He comes! who loves to bear Soft sunny hours and seasons fair; The swallow hither comes to rest His sable wing and snowy breast.

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April and May, the keys of the year.

Spanish.

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The first Sunday after Easter settles the weather for the whole Summer.

Sweden.

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"The rippling smile of the April rain."

A. Austin.

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A cold April The barn will fill.

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Although it rains, throw not away thy watering-pot.

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Plant your 'taturs when you will, They won't come up before April.

Wilts.

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When there are many more swifts than swallows in the Spring, expect a hot and dry Summer.

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April cold with dropping rain Willows and lilacs brings again, The whistle of returning birds, And, trumpet-lowing of the herds.