THE FERN PARADISE. 



stones and shallows, meandering by copse and 

 through mead. Given the wild paths of a wood 

 through which to wander free and untrammelled, 

 surrounded by the wealth of glorious trees, 

 soothed by the soft sounds of insect life, and 

 charmed by the song of birds. Given the sweet 

 presence of plants and shrubs, of grass and 

 flowers, clothed each and all with rich and beauti- 

 ful tints gifts which the all-wise Creator has 

 spread out upon the earth with a splendid liberality, 

 offering them alike to rich and to poor. Given, 

 we say, all these choice things, together with a 

 healthy mind in a healthy body, and he who has 

 them possesses the elements of physical enjoy- 

 ment. 



But all cannot share such enjoyment. To some, 

 Nature is like a sealed book ; and these cannot 

 sip from the cup which, overflowing with plea- 

 sure, she holds up as a free gift to mankind. Pent 

 up, perhaps, in the heart of a great city, walled-in 

 from all that is beautiful in Nature, their eyes are 

 never gladdened by the sight of woods, green 

 fields, and sweet wild-flowers ; their ears are never 

 charmed by the songs of birds that roam free and 



