FERNS 



The Bracken. 



summer eve only. 

 At dusk the fern 

 was supposed to 

 put forth a tiny 

 blue flower. This 

 soon gave place to 

 a small, shining 

 seed that ripened 

 at midnight. If it 

 fell from the stem 

 of its own accord 

 and was caught 

 in a white napkin, 

 it was thought to 

 give its possessor 

 the power to be- 

 come invisible. 



"It boasteth a name of mystic fame, 



For who findeth its magic seed 

 A witching and weirdly gift may claim, 



To help him in his need ; 

 Unseen, unknown, ,he may pass alone 



Who knoweth the fern seed's spell ; 

 Like the viewless blast, he sweepeth past, 



And walks invisible." 



The bracken is one of the useful ferns. Fruit, fish, 

 and vegetables are sometimes packed in it to keep 



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