FERNY RAMBLES IN SOUTH DEVON. 47 



shuttlecock-shaped fronds of noble specimens of 

 the Male Fern. The left banks of the brook hung 

 far over the water, the bushes, ivy, and moss-covered 

 branches of trees which crowned them affording 

 cool, dark, and moist nooks for the ferns, whose 

 exquisite fronds, dropping gracefully over the 

 stream in splendid clusters, lapped it with their 

 beautiful tips. 



Beyond the bridge the stream flows for a short 

 distance under the dark shadows of the wood, 

 winding, falling, splashing, and foaming as it 

 hurries along out of sight. The peep in this 

 direction is delightful. Trees above, moss- 

 covered, ivy-covered branches ; some gnarled, and 

 others fresh and vigorous : trees on each side, all 

 densely clothed with their fresh and glorious May 

 dress. The clear brook reflects the shadows of 

 trees and shrubs, and becomes dimly seen as it 

 disappears under the dark vista of the wood. 

 This vista, formed of the delightfully intermingled 

 branches of the trees overhead, presents the most 

 charming peep. The matted branches, green limbs 

 and twigs, would fairly exclude the light, were it not 



