Agecroft. 



205 



of making some sort of acquaintance with it, through the 

 facility of getting to Clifton station. Many who ride 

 upon this line for the first time are surprised to see both 

 meadow and arable so near the town. Yet no part of 

 the neighbourhood is more rich. In June, by the time 

 we reach the end of the footpath, we find ourselves 



" Foot-gilt with all the blossom-dust of those 

 Sweet meadows we have traversed ; " 



in autumn we may listen to the corn-crake among the 

 cereals, and when the sickle has been busy, discover 

 that little scarlet flower, which, like Ruth, is unseen be- 

 fore, and that opens its seed-pod by a sort of equinoctial 

 line. 



FIG. 33. 

 Capsule of Pimpernel. 



FIG. 34. 

 The same, enlarged. 



The best portions of the Prestwich scenery, and the 

 best modes of approach, and the anemones of Mere 

 clough those friendly things that never live alone, but 

 " love their own kind, and to dwell among their kindred," 

 have been described in " Walks and Wild Flowers." 



