292 THE FERN PARADISE. 



derived from the knowledge that such pleasure 

 has really been afforded. 



If, however, the author should have succeeded 

 in his object, he trusts that any pleasurable 

 impressions which may have been conveyed to 

 those who have followed him thus far through 

 this volume will not be merely transient, or 

 such as might be experienced if, to a rapid 

 perusal of the descriptions which have been 

 given of ferns and ferny lanes, were to succeed 

 obliviousness of the important end which the 

 book is intended to secure. 



The author would wish to address his readers 

 not collectively only, but individually. His labour 

 will have missed its purpose if it does not, besides 

 creating pleasant fancies, lead to practical and per- 

 manent good. Will it be too much to hope that 

 every one who reads these pages will receive some 

 benefit from their perusal, and will not lay the 

 volume aside without having determined to carry 

 out in practice the suggestions which it con- 

 tains ? There is the greater reason to hope for 

 such a result because of the very small amount 



