March is the beginning of Spring. We know, of course, that the meteorologist says Spring begins the 21st, but we prefer to disregard that fact and believe that we already sense Spring riding upon the wings of the March wind. We have a premonition of little creatures stirring in the stone walls, and we pretend not to see Winter just peeping round the hedge with a gray cloud in his hair and frosty malice in his eye. We give all our attention to the brave little crocuses pushing out from under his icy feet.
There are many other evidences that Spring has come with March. The rooks have already courted with their mates, and are building nests in ash, elm and sycamore - a sign that never fails. Then there are March hares whirling and hissing at each other in the rivalry of love-making. If any creature knows that Spring is here, it should be the March hare.
What of it if Winter has another snow-storm or two up his sleeve? I take my staff and fare forth to greet Spring with three dogs at my heels. They are not very old, but they know just as well as I do that Spring has come. What adorable companions dogs are when one goes out to trail the footsteps of Spring! They are the first to smell the sweet new grasses and the willow catkins. Every little bud and curled-up leaf causes my heart to jump with gladness; for know Spring is sure and certain.
True, the north winds and the east winds come howling down from the hills, spin me round and nearly throw me off my feet. I go back to the fire a little crestfallen, only to be called out again by the first warm sunbeam that touches the book outspread on my knee. The big, white-headed mountains laugh at me and bid me go back to the fireside; for Spring in March is a delusion, a fairy dream of poets. Still my