80 DICK'S FERNERY. CHAP. vii. 



Dick had another special fernery at Achavaristil, 

 under the Reay hills, about ten miles from Thurso. It 

 was nearly opposite Sir Robert Sinclair's shooting-lodge. 

 It was a sheltered place, where ferns grew in beauty. 

 Dick kept the place an entire secret. For a long time, 

 no one obtained access to it. No one knew of it. He 

 transplanted ferns from all parts of the county, that 

 they might grow and spread there long after he was dead. 

 But alas, some mischievous person found out the place, 

 and pulled up the " weeds." What a bitter day that was 

 for Robert Dick ! 



