88 J. E. LITTLEBOY — OUR LOCAL FEENS. 



To lovers of the graceful and beautiful in nature tlicy present 

 varied and manifold attractions, and I wannly commend them to 

 the careful attention and study of all our members. 



Perhaps I may be allowed to conclude by quoting a few quaint 

 lines, in the sentiment of which I entirely and heartily concur, 

 although I cannot vouch for their antiquity. 



" The greene and graceful! Feme, 

 How beautiful! it is ! 

 There's not a leafe in all the lande 

 So wonderful] I wis — 

 Have ye ever watch'd it budding, 

 "With eche stemme and leafe wrapp'd smalle, 

 Coyl'd up within eche other 

 Like a rownd and hairie balle ? 

 Have ye watch'd yt balle unfolding 

 Eche closelie nestling curie, 

 And its fayre and featherie leafeletts 

 Their spreading formes unfurle r" 

 Oh y» most gracefullie they wave 

 In y"^ forrest like a sea ; 

 And deare as they are beautifull 

 Are those Ferne-leaves to me." 



