gner compared to the wych-elm, and retains a mark of its alien
origin in not setting seeds.

The syringa (_Philadelphus_) is another foreigner, which early shows
autumnal tints--yellowing on 27th September. Then follow some native
trees: the beech and birch both turning yellow on 1st October, and being
followed by the maple on 7th October. I like the motherliness of the
half-grown beech, who refuses to drop her dead leaves in autumn, hoping
(as I imagine) that they will shelter her tender leaves in the chilly
springtime. The older beeches give up this anxious care, and doubtless
laugh among themselves over the fussiness of young mothers. They forget,
no doubt, that in the scrub at the feet of their own boles the habit
persists.

With regard to the fall of leaves, the sycamore begins to lose them 2nd
October; birch and cherry, 8th October; maple and walnut, 12th October;
aspen, 13th October; beech and elder, 13th October; ash, 14th October;
Lombardy poplar and Virginian creeper, 18th October; honeysuckle, 22nd
October; hazel, 26th October; elm, 28th October; whitethorn, 30th
October; plane, 3rd November. Judging by a single observation of
Blomefield, the larch is the last performer in the drama of autumn. It
turns yellow on 8th November, and its leaves fall 15th November.

Blomefield {3} records that on 29th November the trees are "everywhere
stript of leaves," so that some sort of colour-drama has been in progress
from the middle of September to the end of November. It may be objected
that what has been said of autumn is but a catalogue of names and dates.
And this is true enough; but when we realise the glory of autumnal
decadence, it seems (however baldly recounted) to be a fitting prelude to
the great outbreak of new life--green leaves and bright flowers that
spring gives us.

In Blomefield's "Calendar" the difference between December and January is
exaggerated. For, as it stands, it suggests that plants know that a new
year has begun, and all burst into flower on 1st January. But that
careful naturalist points out {4a} "all those phenomena which are
referred to 1st January, as the earliest date, may be considered as
occasionally showing themselves in December of the previous year."

The plants that bloom in winter, _i.e._ December and January, are few
enough. The Christmas rose gives us its white or pink flowers in
December, and the primrose may flower in the first days of
January--indeed, I seem to r