FERN. 



FERN.— Sincerity. 



" The Foxgloves and the Fern, how gracefully they grow, 

 With grand old oaks above them, and wavy grass below ! 

 The stately trees stand round, like columns fair and high, 

 And the spreading branches bear a glorious canopy 

 Of leaves, that rustling wave in the whispering summer air. 

 And gaily greet the sunbeams that are falling brightly there." — 



Romance of Floivers. 



When the forest glades are bordered with Ferns in the 

 beauteous days of summer, these graceful forms of vegetable 

 life make a useful carpet. Open to the lovely sky, mottled 

 over with clouds, amid which the glowing sun passes on his 

 glorious way, yet screened by a leafy canopy, such spaces 

 afford most pleasing resorts for the pic-nic party. There may 

 ministering maidens and waiting gentlemen spread the cloth ; 

 set forth the savoury viands, the generous and sparkling 

 wines, and the various fruits of the season ; and then, seated 

 or reclining upon the obliging Fern, partake of the refreshing 

 collation. How^ pleasantly passes the time on such occasions, 

 and how swiftly ! and then the freedom of such a reunion, the 

 desire to please, the lovely weather, the generous and delicate 

 refection, unlock the closed heart of those usually most 

 reserved. Then hidden feelings show themselves ; thoughts, 

 at other times concealed, escape through the ivory inclosure 

 and ruby lips ; for the most part, they who are present are 

 then sincere, though in their sincerity sentiments may become 

 known w'hich dispel some fond yet vain illusion, which must 



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