30 APRIL 1948, Page 16

Redeunt Jam Gramina Perhaps the most obvious example of the

rush of spring has been emphasised by the latest decree of the Minister of Food. The grass has grown with rare lusciousness, and the land was seldom so green. I noticed at one and the same time the hens grazing almost like geese on the new herbage and a number of cows lying down to graze. They had no need to move on ; and the effect of the fodder seemed to be as considerable on the production of eggs as of milk. A phenomenon, for which I have no explanation, was the appearance of a wasp that had none of the look of a queen. Is it possible that now and again in very favourable conditions a worker may survive? About the same date a quite abnormal number of solitary bees—of the Andrena tribe— made their appearance. The hive bees were commendably busy in my apple blossom, and butterflies of many species came out of their hiber- nacula in singularly perfect condition.