DOWN A GREEN LANE! 89 



lower portion of the bank on the left reaches 

 back to such a distance as to envelop the ground 

 underneath almost in darkness. In this kindly 

 and congenial shelter the ferns are growing to 

 grand dimensions, fostered by the darkness and 

 humidity which prevail under the leafy canopy. 



Onward, still onward, and downward winds the 

 lane, until, all at once, it becomes fairly buried 

 under the glorious mass of vegetation which grows 

 with such wild and beautiful luxuriance around 

 and above. You have now almost to crawl 

 underneath the bushes and the graceful fern-fronds 

 which literally choke up the way. For twenty or 

 thirty yards your path is thus buried, and you 

 are compelled to stoop until your chin almost 

 touches your knees. Grand as you have hitherto 

 found the development of fern-life, here, in this 

 spot, you find the grandest development of all. Oh 

 the keen enjoyment you derive from the delicious 

 coolness of this almost subterranean avenue ! Mid- 

 way in the glorious wealth of green there is a 

 slight break in the bushes. Perched in the gap 

 is a full blown foxglove ; and away beyond and 



