fiRN FAHAD1SE. 



THE 



now rushing down in a miniature cascade, as its 

 bed falls suddenly out of its smooth and even 

 descent ; and finally, with a parting ' gurgle,' 

 disappearing under the dark arch of the bridge. 

 On all sides, growing out of the steep bank that 

 bounds the brook, dropping from the moss- 

 covered sides of the bridge, perched on the tops 

 of the tiny boulders that peep out of the water, 

 Ferns drop the tips of their wavy fronds into the 

 cool, mirror-like surface of the stream. 



Above, around, beneath us, Ferns, Ferns, a 

 paradise of Ferns I 



90 



