288 FROM A MIDDLESEX GARDEN 



these beautiful formations in thicket, on wall, upon twig, in 

 fact everywhere 



" The living stains, which Nature's hand alone, 

 Profuse of life, pours forth upon the stone ; 

 For ever growing, where the common eye 

 Can but the bare and rocky bed descry." 



How aptly has Crabbe named these lichens, " living 

 stains," for the one common to almost every wall (Parmelia 

 parietina) appears as a pale golden-grey stain. Although this 

 season is alluded to as lichen-time, it is not to say that lichen 

 is only to be found at the present time ; for indeed all the 

 year round this moss-like fungus is frequent everywhere, and 

 well worth much study. Thriving only where the air is the 

 purest, we may be certain that where fully developed it is a 

 sure sign that the situation is a healthy one. Nothing can be 

 more varied than the appearance of lichens : some are lobed 

 and foliaceous, some hard and crustaceous, some of a leprous 

 substance, drawing their food from the atmosphere. So the 

 lichens grow in beauty as the cold advances, some matching 

 the grey of Winter skies, some making miniature sunsets on 

 the walls with their golden stains. So the last leaves fall, 

 and the year is sinking calmly to rest ; the wind drives 

 through, and the mists encircle the November woodlands ! 



