APRIL, the second month of the ancient Roman and the fourth of the modern calendar, contains 3o days. The derivation of the name is uncertain. The traditional etymology from Lat. aperire, "to open," in allusion to its being the season when trees and flowers begin to "open," is supported by comparison with the modern Greek use of avoLEcs (opening) for spring. In Rome on the fourth day games (Ludi Megalenses) were celebrated in honour of Cybele; besides others, on the 21st—which was re garded as the birthday of Rome—the Vinalia Urbana, when the wine of the previous autumn was first tasted; and on the 28th and four following days the riotous Floralia.