The elms are now generally in blossom and Cheney’s elm still also. The last has leaf-buds which show the white. Now, before any leaves have appeared, their blossoms clothe the trees with a rich, warm brown color, which serves partially for foliage to the streetwalker, and makes the tree more obvious. Held in the Band, the blossoms of some of the elms are quite rich and variegated, now purple and yellowish specked with the dark anthers and two light styles . . .

  The season advances by fits and starts; you would not believe that there could be so many degrees to it. If you have had foul and cold weather, still some advance has been made, as you find when the fair weather comes,—new lieferungs of warmth and summeriness, which make yesterday seem far off and the clog-days or midsummer incredibly nearer . . .