?I first saw the cottage in late spring, when the surrounding forest was at its best?the oaks and maples in new leaf, the oak leaves a pale green, the maple leaves red and gold and bronze; this is the Himalayan maple, quite different from the North American maple; only the winged seed-pods are similar, twisting and turning in the breeze as they fall to the ground, so that the Garhwalis call it the butterfly tree.? Spring and Other Mercies collects some of Ruskin Bond?s most memorable nature stories within its leaves. Filled with the majestic undulation of trees and the chatter of creatures?great and small?all itching for adventure, this anthology bears witness to the sense of revival and companionship that spring ushers in. These soothing tales of gentle pace carry the whiff of forgotten times, reminding us to rejoice in the small mercies scattered at every turn, if we only care to look. They will bear you comfort during uncertainty, and in contentment, teach you to celebrate life. So come along, on a walk down memory lane, where the gardens remain forever in bloom.