THE FERNY MOORLANDS. 



about to emerge from the darkness of the tunnel, 

 we may see on a moist part of its arch the deep, 

 dark, shining-green fronds of some Hartstongues. 

 Or we may espy specimens of the Black Maiden- 

 hair Spleenwort, of the Wall Rue, and of the 

 Common Maidenhair Spleenwort. Now the light 

 increases ; but fields and hedge-rows are still shut 

 out by the steep sandstone and slate rock, from 

 which, however, high up above our heads cluster 

 and peep out numerous ferny tufts, looking 

 freshest and greenest where, from the high level 

 above, some trickling moisture falls over the 

 steep rock. Then, for a moment, the high land 

 appears to recede as the train rushes through 

 some gorge, leaving hill and cutting behind, and 

 revealing to the eyes of the delighted passenger 

 the wood-covered and ferny valley, or the Fern- 

 covered upland slope. 



A railway is seldom suggestive of Fern-land. 

 The hourly rush of traffic, for passengers and 

 { goods/ reminds one unpleasantly of the town, 

 and of its hurry and bustle. The railway indeed 

 to the lover of Nature mars the free wild 

 aspect of the woods and fields. 



