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[Page 2]
the flower followed the leaf in 20 days, viz. from the 12 of April to the 2d of May & in 1782 there was 88 days difference; viz from the 20th of Feb. to the 19th of May. The time of flowering of the Turnip varies greatly in warm or cold Seasons; i find from the 21st of Feb. in 1739, & in 1740, the 2nd of May. I mark the singing of the Thrush, the appearing of the yellow Butterfly, the singing of Frogs, the buiding [building] of Rooks, young Rooks, the yellow Butterfly, as early marks of Spring; & the appearing of the Swallow, the Nightingales & the Cuckews [cuckoos] song, & the Fern Owl or Goatsucker; the last as the latest of the Migrating Birds: as in 40 different years, i find but two years before May, & even those were the 29 & 30th of April: & seven are into June. I suppose i find these Birds as early as any of my neighbours, as i have many of them in my Woods. Amongst the forest Trees, as the Sycamore, Birch, Mountain Ash, Elm, Lime, Horsechesnut, Hornbeam, Oak, Beech, Chesnut & Ash; those that leaf the latest vary the least, from early & late Seasons. I have a few years of the Daffodil & Wood Anemone flower, in which there is but little difference.
Sir i shall not have presumed to offer so poor & imperfect a Calendar to you, if i had not generally found Men of the greatest knowledge & best judgment, are the most ready to excuse the failings of others.
I am with the greatest respect & esteem,
Sir your most obedient
& obliged servant
R. Marsham