THE FERN PARADISE. 



sweeps by a winding path down towards the vale 

 of Tingle Bridge. We have to descend the 

 densely-wooded side of a hill, and the path along 

 nearly the whole way is overhung by trees. If 

 we peer under the dense wooded cover that ex- 

 tends on either side of the path, we may well 

 admire the splendid growth of the Ferns that 

 revel in the humid shelter of the greenwood. 



Following the downward course of the steep 

 path, a clearance in the trees and a jutting point 

 of the hill suddenly give the opportunity for a 

 sight which is sublimely beautiful. We stand at a 

 height far above the vale of Fingle Bridge. From 

 our feet, down to the extreme point of the narrow 

 valley, sweeps a dense mass of trees, gracefully 

 curving round to the left, until it is almost met 

 by the lofty wood-covered hill that rears its head 

 boldly against the sky on the opposite side of the 

 valley. We have said that the wood- covered hills 

 almost meet. Their bases interlace; but a clear 

 space intervenes between their tops, giving a 

 marvellous combination of varying moorland 

 scenery in the vista between. Hills some densely 

 wooded, others bare and wild interlace their 



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