18 MY REAL ESTATE. 



My assortment of ferns is small, but I 

 noted seven species: the brake, the poly- 

 pody, the hay-scented, and four species of 

 shield - ferns, Aspidium Noveboracense, 

 Aspidium spinulosum, variety intermedium, 

 Aspidium marginale, and the Christmas 

 fern, Aspidium acrostichoides. The last 

 named is the one of which I am proudest. 

 For years I have been in the habit of com- 

 ing hither at Christmas time to gather the 

 fronds, which are then as bright and fresh 

 as in June. Two of the others, the poly- 

 pody and Aspidium marginale, are ever- 

 green also, but they are coarser in texture 

 and of a less lively color. Writing of 

 these flowerless beauties, I am tempted to 

 exclaim again, " Happy the humble ! " 

 The brake is much the largest and stoutest 

 of the seven, but it is by a long time the 

 first to be cut down before the frost. 



Should I ever meet with reverses, as the 

 wealthiest and most prudent are liable to 

 do, and be compelled to part with my 

 woodland inheritance, I shall count it ex- 

 pedient to seek a purchaser in the spring. 

 At that season its charms are greatly 

 enhanced by a lively brook. This comes 



