Delightful task! to watch with curious eyes
Soft forms of Thought in infant bosoms rise,
Plant with nice hand Reflection's tender root,
And teach the young Ideas how to shoot!

LONDON:

1822.

THE

CALENDAR OF NATURE.

JANUARY.

Stern Winter's icy breath, intensely keen,
Now chills the blood, and withers every green;
Bright shines the azure sky, serenely fair,
Or driving snows obscure the turbid air.

CIVILIZED nations in general now agree to begin reckoning the new year from the first of January. Yet it may seem strange to call that a new season, when every thing is most inactive and lifeless; when animals are benumbed by the cold, and vegetables are all dead or withered. For this reason, some have thought it best to begin the year in Spring, when the face of Nature is really renewed. But as this happens at different times in different years and climates, it has at length been determined to date the commencement of the year as at present, within a few days after the Winter-solstice, or shortest day. This always takes place on the twenty-first of December, and from that time the days are gradually lengthened, till the middle of Summer;

B