Cupid's Fair-Weather Booke Including an Almanack for Any Two Years (True Love Ought to Last That Long) — Reading Companion

Transcriber’s Note: All errors are the authors’ own.

BOOKS BY OLIVER HERFORD

_WITH PICTURES BY THE AUTHOR_

PUBLISHED BY CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS

THE BASHFUL EARTHQUAKE $1.25

A CHILD’S PRIMER OF NATURAL HISTORY $1.25

OVERHEARD IN A GARDEN $1.25

MORE ANIMALS _net_, $1.00

THE RUBAIYAT OF A PERSIAN KITTEN _net_, $1.00

THE FAIRY GODMOTHER-IN-LAW _net_, $1.00

A LITTLE BOOK OF BORES _net_, $1.00

THE PETER PAN ALPHABET _net_, $1.00

THE ASTONISHING TALE OF A PEN-AND-INK PUPPET _net_, $1.00

A KITTEN’S GARDEN OF VERSES (_postage extra_) _net_, $1.00

_WITH JOHN CECIL CLAY_

CUPID’S CYCLOPEDIA _net_, $1.00

CUPID’S FAIR-WEATHER BOOKE (_postage extra_) _net_, $1.00

CUPID’S FAIR-WEATHER BOOKE

CUPID’S FAIR-WEATHER BOOKE

ALMANACK FOR ANY TWO YEARS (True Love Ought To Last That Long)

_By_ JOHN CECIL CLAY _and_ OLIVER HERFORD

_Direction of_ DANIEL CUPID

Published for _ye Publick Goode_ by Charles Scribner’s Sons New York

To All Good Hearticulturists

In bringing out this, the second volume of the Cupid’s Almanack, we have deemed it advisable to devote our principal effort to informing you, Good Hearticulturists, just what the conditions of the elements will be at the various seasons. This is of the greatest importance, and the success of your work depends largely upon the judgment used in selecting the time to begin.

Enthusiasm is necessary but do not be too impetuous for many a failure has come from rushing ahead while yet conditions are too cold and many a Hope Vine has been killed by a late frost.

If you have started your work indoors do not be in too great haste to set out; young plants need a great deal of warmth and attention and can stand extremely high temperature, while very little cold is apt to be fatal.

In Hearticulture so much depends on—whether?

When I consider how I spent my days, And mind me of the reckless race I ran, I am resolved that I will mend my ways, And swear henceforth to be a Water-man.

General depression, caused by Brain-storms of December. This is succeeded by a wave of Good Resolutions, accompanied by a general downpour of Ice Water. The cold wave may be counted upon to pass quickly, being followed by brighter days and a Rising Glass.

Now forth to fish goes good Saint Valentine, And baits his gentle hook with tender wishes, Cupid has lent his bow for rod and line. Alas! Our time has come—we are the fishes.

Generally frigid airs, varied by storms and melting spells, with changing temperature until the Fourteenth, when a soft wave will sweep over the country accompanied by sentimental Mail Storms, resulting in a general rise of temperament and a happier atmosphere. Husbandmen who are cultivating matrimony will be much troubled through this month by the squally nights.

The wind is like to a Rampageous Ram, That rushes to and fro and round about. I speed my parting hat with futile damn, As my umbrella turneth inside out.

Marked coldness, followed by windy sighs, culminating in stormy bluster. Alternate Frostiness and Melting. A depressing month and one to test the intensity of the heart gardener. All but the hardiest plants must be given extreme attention, and many gardeners, to avoid the danger of a frost, sit up far into the night with their favorite plants during this month. But at the best it is apt to be chilly and unpleasant going. The month ends in calm, indifferent weather.

Thro’ melting clouds the ever-gaining Sun Predicts a rise in Summer’s stock to-day. The Bears of Winter now are on the run, The Bull of Spring o’er April’s Bourse holds sway.

Less cold but very changeable. Brief intervals of smiling weather, succeeded by frowning clouds and petulant showers. Sudden storms, accompanied by floods of tears, which dry rapidly as warmer feeling prevails. The first Spring Hats begin to come out and the mewing of Pussy Willow is heard in the land. The month will end with soft, engaging weather.

Winter the Dotard, fool’d by April’s tears, Is fain to linger in the lap of Spring, When, with her tall twin brothers, May appears, And bids him have no thought of such a thing.

Small birds will begin house-hunting and set the fashion by choosing mates. Soft airs prevail and the skies are rosy. The first leaflets of Spring poetry begin to come out. Occasional warm showers, melting hearts and budding friendships. A few sharp storms, followed by bright making-up weather.

Since it is written “Crabbed Age and Youth Cannot together live,” now strange to tell, The crusty Crab for love of June’s sweet tooth Lays down his life and doffs his armored shell.