The Order of the Procession I have noticed that every
year the Botticelli-like procession of spring throws emphasis upon items. (Item! What a word to use for all the magic of it!) This year, however, everything is underlined. The dandelions have been gigantic, truly the sun's remembrancers. But so have the primroses, the windflowers and the bluebells. The mild winter worked small havoc, and everything has had a propitious start. Even the wild rose, usually reluctant, has burst out before the hawthorn is over. Nature has done no specialising. Only the ash trees have held back. I have never known such a big gap of time between the oak and the ash, the former being in full leaf (except those already attacked by the cater- pillar) before the black spears of the ash-buds burst open. The swallow is another late comer. I have seen only three swallows this spring, in Kent. There tre none around my oast. Does it mean that there still is a danger of heavy frost ahead? If so, the potato crops in field and garden will be caught, for they are well advanced this year.
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