TO OUR READERS. 41 



passing from one to another as we walk ; or it can be used while riding in 

 a carriage, or sailing in a boat. 



Ulleswater is a lovely spot. The steep hills on the right hand, as 

 we ascend the lake, are covered with juniper-bushes, at the end of May in 

 full flower ; the debris further up the mountain sides is an abiding-place 

 for the alpine lady's mantle, (Alchemilla alpina) with its lining of satin ; 

 and at every step we see great forests of the Lycopodiiun, or stag's horn 

 moss. The plant itself creeps upon the surface, anchored every here and 

 there by a strong and wire-like root, as if it were pegged down ; the erect 

 portions, that make these strange but pretty white forests, are the young 

 seed capsules and their vertical stalks. L. Selago is also plentiful here ; 

 and, as everywhere in Kirkstone Pass, the green parsley-fern, Cryptogramme 

 crispa. The contrast of the rich pure colour of the fern with the grey of the 

 ancient rocks is at this season most striking. Nature, in tliese grand soli- 

 tudes that have never felt the plough, presents combinations that are not only 

 novel, but in the highest degree pleasing to the accomplished mind. No 

 man of taste has " completed his education," nay, he has no more than 

 entered the vestibule, until he has lived awhile in such scenes as these, 

 leaving his companions, and standing face to face with their sublimity. 

 It may be worth noting that in the most retired and romantic spots, was 

 still and everywhere heard, on this memorable 21st May, the cheerful 

 voice of the cuckoo. 



SERIOUS LOSS OF BOTANICAL SPECIMENS BY FIRE. 



To OUR Readers. 



We are sure of the hearty sympathy of our readers in calling their 

 attention to the almost irreparable loss recently sustained by our zealous 

 friend and contributor, Mr. J. G. Baker, of Thirsk, author of the " Review 

 of British Roses," now passing through our pages. On Monday night, 

 the 9tli inst., Mr. Baker's residence and place of business were completely 

 burned to the ground, the whole of his botanical library and herbarium 

 being utterly destroyed ; Mr. Baker himself and family narrowly escaping 



