A Summer Song

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, 1 December 1904, Page 192

A Summer Song

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| IIHIIIIIIIIIIIH IIIIMIIIIW ■ ill Pi Summer is a' coming quick, Loud sings the cheerful sparrow. 'Tis time to sow the Pumpkin seed And Vegetable-marrow. The days draw out— the nights draw in, The mercury is rising. The Equinox is past and gone, In manner most surprising. I All insect life is on the hum, j And every blade is sprouting. The birds, in varied plumage gay, Are out upon an outing. The locust crackles in the trees, With sound of bacon frying. The Bot-fly waltzes round the horse^ And lays its eggs while flying. How doth the busy Mason-Bee Improve each shining minute? He builds his little house of clay, And packs the spiders in it.

The Caterpillar's on the march. All green things fast devouring. The Maori Bug perfumes the air With bouquet overpowering. As evening falls a tuneful no f e Proclaims the Skeeter's coming; His poisoned, bite is bad enough, But maddening is his humming. 44 All Nature's now asleep, my dear/* Exclaims the ardent Lover; "I think we'd better go outside: 'Tis stifling under cover." And so into the stilly night, Beneath the starry glory, Linked hand in hand they wander forthIt is the old, old story.

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