FERNS. 29 



All the members of this very attractive family haunt 

 stony places, growing out of fissures in rocks and walls, 

 from whence it is most difficult to take their roots un- 

 injured. It is a pretty sight to behold these graceful 

 plants lavishing their beauty upon the otherwise barren 

 rock, or adorning the crumbling wall. It proves that 

 God will leave no corner of His creation without its 

 appropriate and harmonious beauties. The ancient rocks 

 with their entombed organisms rejoice in new life, as the 

 stone-shale and bright insects creep across them, and the 

 verdant fronds of the Spleenworts kiss their aged surface 

 at every motion of the air. The smiling verdure delights 

 the eye, and brings to mind the words of sacred song — 



" all ye green things upon earth, 

 Bless ye the Lord, 

 Praise Him, and magnify Him for ever ! " 



