THE COUNTRYMAN: THROUGH THE SEASONS. By Johnny Scott.

(2019) 2022 paperback edition. 8vo (160 x 241mm). Pp230. Not illustrated.

"The author's acute powers of observation and fluent style enable him to convey his lifelong experiences and knowledge of the natural world in an informative but accessible way. His understanding of the origins of country customs and celebratory festivals is extensive, and his affection for them and all that the countryside has to offer shines through." Johnny Scott knows his stuff - seasonally arranged sections include: Toads; Easter; The cuckoo; Avian squatters; Gulls' eggs; Bumblebees; Bugs in May; The golden hoof; Are sportsmen getting soft?; May Day; Cleanliness of animals; Oak Apple Day; Blind stinger; Mallard; Luck; The heron; The shepherd's dog; Wild goats; Hedging; Dor Hawks; A change in the season; Flankers; Medieval pets' names; The wheel turns; Morecambe Bay shrimps; St Anthony's fire; Weather lore; Athens; Doocots; An autumn fish; The month of the rut; Hell hounds; Beautiful but deadly; Hag stone; The cottager's pig; Sporrans; Tracks in the snow; Red Letter Day; Christmas week; Christ's animals at Christmas; Mistletoe; The holly and the ivy; Carving the festive bird; Dogs at Christmas; Keep the home fires burning; Countryman's zimmer; Hedge pig; The glorious bird of Colchis; Marl.