FERN LAND. 17 



sunlight, become developed into their most mature 

 forms in cool and shady situations. 



It is, then, the beautiful and unrivalled forms of 

 fern-life which fling over Devonshire scenery its 

 almost indescribable charm. Peer at low tide 

 into yon dark and dripping cavern which yawns 

 upon the sea ! The bright sunshine that dances 

 upon the rippling waves pauses at the cavern's 

 mouth, as if not daring to penetrate its gloomy 

 depths. But just one tiny gleam of light has 

 ventured to cross the threshold, and sparkling on 

 the dripping water, it flashes through the opaque 

 blackness a kind of electric light. As the water 

 falls, drip ! drip ! into the pool below, the light 

 increases, and then oh, glorious sight ! you see at 

 the side and on the roof of this lonesome sea-cave 

 the beautiful Sea-spleenwort (Asplenium marimtm), 

 hiding its roots in the cavern-walls, and spreading 

 out its bright green and shining fronds, that they 

 may luxuriate in the dark humidity of its chosen 

 retreat. Or peer over yonder cliff, whose inacces- 

 sible sides overhang the seething waves! Look 

 closely into the shady cleft which nestles under 



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