THE FERN PAEADISE. 



is an object of the highest importance ; and there 

 can be no purer enjoyment than that derived 

 from the knowledge that such pleasure has really 

 been afforded. 



If, however, the Author should have succeeded 

 in his object, he trusts that any pleasurable im- 

 pressions which may have been conveyed to those 

 who have followed him thus far through this 

 volume will not be merely transient, or such as 

 might be experienced if, to a rapid perusal of the 

 descriptions which have been given of Ferns and 

 ferny lanes, and of the Author's suggestions re- 

 specting the cultivation of Ferns at home, were 

 to succeed indifference as to the important end 

 which the book is intended to secure. 



The Author would wish to address his readers 

 not collectively only, but individually. His 

 labour will have missed its purpose if it does 

 not, besides creating pleasant fancies, lead to 

 practical and permanent good. Will it be too 

 much to hope that every one who reads these 

 pages will receive some benefit from their perusal, 

 and will not lay the volume aside without having 

 determined to carry out in practice the sugges- 



406 



