THE STREAM-GARDEN 71 



loving trees. Here, therefore, we have a widespread 

 planting of these large things. By the stream on one 

 bank a long-shaped mass of the rosy Loosestrife 

 (Lytkrum\ and detached patches of the same hand- 

 some plant, and grouped near and partly with it the 

 Giant Cow-Parsnip (Heracleum). The one so long in 

 cultivation is a grand plant in such a place, but still 

 better is the newer H. mantegazzianum. On the other 

 bank is the native Butter-bur (Petasites) with its 

 immense leaves, a striking contrast in leaf-form to its 

 neighbours. 



Now the stream passes into the swampy region 

 of Willow and Alder, and the path follows it only a 

 little way in ; but already we have been among great 

 clumps of Marsh Marigold, some close down to the 

 stream edge in the open, and some in wet hollows a 

 yard or two away. But in the dark pools of mud and 

 water under the Alders the clumps grow larger and 

 more luscious, and in April they are a sight to see, 

 showing sheets of rich yellow bloom, that look all the 

 brighter rising alone from the black pools under the 

 trees. 



The path that has hitherto accompanied the stream 

 now turns away from it, and on its return journey 

 skirts the streamward side of some boggy pools and 

 oozy places that lie at the foot of the wood's edge. 

 The wood is mostly of Scotch Fir, with a lesser 

 number of Oaks, Hollies, and Birches in the opener 

 parts. It slopes down to the little valley, ending in a 



