Page 424 of 2288

Spring is the time of plans and projects. And, as he came out

into the farmyard, Levin, like a tree in spring that knows not

what form will be taken by the young shoots and twigs imprisoned

in its swelling buds, hardly knew what undertakings he was going

to begin upon now in the farm work that was so dear to him. But

he felt that he was full of the most splendid plans and projects.

First of all he went to the cattle. The cows had been let out

into their paddock, and their smooth sides were already shining

with their new, sleek, spring coats; they basked in the sunshine

and lowed to go to the meadow. Levin gazed admiringly at the cows

he knew so intimately to the minutest detail of their condition,

and gave orders for them to be driven out into the meadow, and

the calves to be let into the paddock. The herdsman ran gaily to

get ready for the meadow.