WHAT WE SEE IN SPRING by Ralph Bice

From Wednesday, May 31, 1978

Those of us who live in this section of Ontario really get to see the changing seasons. The best part is that all four have characteristics that are not only nice to see but pleasant to live through and enjoy. What we are experiencing right now and perhaps for a couple of months ahead are those black flies and mosquitoes. I would be the first to admit that these pests are bothersome but in many cases it is thinking about them that is worse than a few bites. I know some people get poisoned by the bites and no one can really enjoy them but every spring they will be here and they are part of nature’s plan. With so many types of repellents on the market they can be endured if not condoned.

Of the four seasons spring has got to be just about the best. Even with a late or drawn-out spring it is good to see the bare ground and look at water instead of ice and snow covered lakes. Then those cold mornings are gone for seven or eight months. One just has to forget all those chores that did not get finished last fall with the mental promise to do them in the spring. Then there will be gardening with all the weeds and the grass that grows so fast at just about the time you know fishing would be at its best. And, as I said, the flies.

The first sign of spring is when the crow is seen or heard. Then the days get warmer and longer and the snow starts to go, creeks get higher and bare spots show in the exposed fields. The word of the first robin being seen spreads like any good news. Then the other birds. Times there is a return of winter for a spell and we wonder just how many of those birds wished they had not been in such a hurry to get back to the north. Then the frogs in the small ponds come to life and their song is nice to hear. Then perhaps the nicest sound for those of us who live near water is the loon. I do not understand how they know but it seems they are here the day after the ice is gone. One spring there were loons flying around when there was no open water. Then there were those springs (1945 and 1946) when the ice left the lakes in March. No one seems to have notified the loons for they did not appear for ten days or two weeks. But then early one morning they were back.

Then the flowers. Some seem to grow just as soon as there is a patch of bare ground. Not too well versed on flowers but the first ones we see are the Adder Tongues. His year there seems to be so many and it’s the first time I’ve seen them grow in clusters. And larger.

Then my favourite, the Trailing Arbutus. Times I get envious that Nova Scotia has this flower as their provincial emblem. Only it grows there more abundantly than in Ontario. This spring I think these flowers were about the best I have seen. They do not stand picking and some patches seem to die out. But I have a private Arbitus patch and this year it was larger and better than I have seen it and I have been watching it for more than 30 years. There are plenty of small patches of this early and most fragrant wildflower and I know they do not get picked but they fade out.

Many years ago, in 1926, I was on a guiding trip that took us to Agnonne on the C.N.R. that goes through the northern part of the Park. We were told to walk the road into Lake Travers just to see and smell the Arbitus. Often wonder if they are still there.

A good many of the spring fishermen are interested in flowers and get to looking for their favorite places. On the portage between Rain and Casey Lake there are many Lady Slippers and two of our fishermen always counted the flowers to see if they were holding their own.

And the Trilliums. All three varieties. Again the Red Trilliums are the largest this year of any spring I can recall. Too, there are patches of white Trilliums that seem larger and better than ever.

There used to be a place on the portage from Queer Lake to the Pine River where so many whites grew. I believe six or seven species could be found. They grew on a hill top slightly sloping to the north so they did not appear as soon as the others but lasted longer. Funny but those who really like wild flowers seldom pick them. They are so beautiful when growing and fade so quickly when picked that it is not right to pick them. White water lilies and dog toothed violets seem to improve with picking but the other flowers should be enjoyed where they are growing.

Then the leaves and watching the trees get their foliage just has to be the most beautiful sight of the year. Some may claim that the fall colours are better but that is an ending while in the spring it is the beginning and the promise of the summer to come.

So, in spite of the heat of summer, the nasty weather in fall, and the snow and cold of the winter the beauties of spring more than compensate us for what we have to endure and at times really enjoy during the other seasons.