CHAP, xviir. FERNS ON DUNNE T HEAD. 297 



nearly tired of this world, and all that's in it, when I 

 caught sight of that glorious Fern, large, radiant, and 

 flourishing, among the reft sandstone cliffs of Dunnet. 

 What a beauty ! Almost approaching to the size of a 

 tree fern!" 



Dick also found among the rocks on Dunnet Head, 

 Lastrea dilatata, Lastrea fcenisecii, the Asplenium mari- 

 num, Asplenium filix-fcemina (lady fern), and numerous 

 other ferns. Morven mountain was also one of his 

 haunts, and there he found Polypodium Phegopteris, P, 

 calcareum, and Lastrea Oreopteris. Braalnabin and Dirlot 

 also furnished him with many specimens. The com- 

 moner specimens he found all over the county. He 

 collected many of the seeds and plants, and sowed them 

 and planted them broadcast over the county, to be living 

 when he was dead. He planted scions of the maiden 

 hair and the royal fern in the gorges of the Dorery 

 hills, at Morven, and in his fernery at Reay. 



Mr. Peach helped Dick in his inquiries as to ferns. 

 He often sent him seeds or plants, so that they might be 

 planted in favourite spots. He also sent him some Cornish 

 heaths. " Many thanks ! " said Dick, " for Erica vagans 

 and Erica ciliaris. To me they are a world of pleasure." 



Having been informed by Mr. Peach that he 

 had found Asplenium marinum at Strathmore,* Dick 

 says, "Nothing that you ever mentioned to me has 

 struck me so much as what you say about Asplenium 



* Mr Peach says this must be a mistake. Still Dick's letter was 

 written on the supposition that he had found the plant, and it shows 

 how thoroughly he was acquainted with the plants along the coast. 



