THE SPLEEN W GETS. 



you gaze intently into the stream, your cheeks are 

 fanned by the brisk moorland breeze, which comes 

 fresh laden with the sweet perfumes of wild 

 flowers. But the breeze has stirred the tiny life 

 which clings to the stony sides of the bridge ; and 

 your eyes are suddenly rivetted by waving tufts 

 of purple and green a mimic forest of Fern- 

 fronds clothing the arches of stone and mortar. 

 Examine the exquisite arrangements of these 

 beautiful fronds, green gems on stalks like 

 maiden's hair. bountiful Creator, to spread 

 out such rich treasures as these! to make the 

 dry, hard stones live with their charming dress of 

 glorious green ! 



Thousands of sights like these may be seen in 

 the wild, rocky moorlands, on bridges which span 

 the moorland streams. But much as it loves the 

 wild home of Nature, and the damp rock in the 

 moorland valley, the beautiful fronds of the 

 Common Maidenhair Spleen wort may be seen even 

 in the heart of towns, for it will grow on houses 

 and garden walls. Though a rock-loving Fern, 

 it will also oftentimes grow with great luxuriance 

 on the soft soil of a sloping hedge-bank. 



387 



