CHAPTER Y. 



FERNS AND AQUAEIA. 



Nature, both animate and inanimate, 

 there is oftentimes close association 

 even where relationship does not exist ; 

 and in no instance is such association more inti- 

 mate than it is in the case of animals and plants. 

 Birds make their homes amidst the sheltering 

 branches of trees and shrubs ; quadrupeds find 

 protection and sustenance in the products of 

 the vegetable world ; for insects, food and lodging- 

 are provided, even in the tiniest sprays of grass ; 

 whilst to all animate things Nature's most abun- 

 dant plant- wealth is freely offered. There is, 

 too, in the natural world a curious association 

 between Ferns and fish ; for Ferns always lovingly 



G-2 [8; 



