UP THE GLEN 157 



forms the somewhat lurid undergrowth of the 

 thin strips of dark fir, above where the whin 

 ventures. It seems to have much the same claim 

 as the golden-rod to be treated as a sub-alpine. 



Seaside wild flowers reappear. The mosses 

 change ; the grasses change. The stone dykes, 

 where such there be, show a transformation of 

 roadside forms. Among ferns, for instance, there 

 is a lessening proportion of the common polypody, 

 so familiar on similar old Lowland fences. 



"Phew! How hot!" 



The sun has passed the meridian, but the warmth 

 has not, and I am afraid never will. A shadow 

 rests on the sloping bank ahead not a very long 

 one; for at this hour of the day, at this time of 

 the year, shadows are at the shortest. 



I shall sit down for a minute or two not more 

 than five ! Why keep bolt upright, when one can 

 lie ! As well be comfortable for the short time ! 

 This slope just fits into the back ! My head is 

 out of the glare, and I can gather my hands 

 under it thus ! What matter that my boots roast ! 

 One o'clock ! Eight miles yet ! Two miles an 

 hour ! Five ! Just nice time ! Heat and cold 

 make one slee ! 



And the shadow of that tree must have stolen, 



