THE FERN PARADISE, 



in sunshine, hiding all beside under damp masses 

 of foliage. Others again will bear the sunlight if 

 they can just find a refuge for their roots in the 

 damp hedge-bank, in the moist crevices of walls 

 and ruins, or amidst the interlaced branches of 

 trees. There are others still which hide where not 

 even the tiniest ray of sunlight can pierce the dark 

 retreat which they choose, and where they can 

 revel in soft and humid warmth. But all Ferns, 

 even the sunniest of the modest family, love 

 moisture and shade the best, and though they 

 will sometimes grow in the full sunlight, become 

 developed into their most mature forms in cool and 

 shady situations. 



It is, then, the beautiful and unrivalled forms of 

 Fern-life which fling over Devonshire scenery its 

 almost indescribable charm. Peer at low tide into 

 yon dark and dripping cavern which yawns upon 

 the sea ! The bright sunshine that dances upon 

 the rippling waves pauses at the cavern's mouth, 

 as if not daring to penetrate its gloomy depths. 

 But just one tiny gleam of light has ventured to 

 cross the threshold, and sparkling on the dripping 

 water, it flashes through the opaque blackness a 



72 



