WINTER FERN-HUNTING 



a little cavern beneath the snow, and 

 there the hardy plants had responded to 

 the impulse of the spring that was al- 

 ready with them. 



In this wise the chickweed blooms the 

 year round though rarely are circum- 

 stances such that we note it in the winter 

 months. Now and then the hepatica 

 opens shy blue eyes beneath the enfold- 

 ing snow and it is common in times of 

 open weather in midwinter to read news- 

 paper reports of the blooming of dande- 

 lions in December, or January. These 

 are just as much in bloom on other win- 

 ters but the snow covers them from 

 sight and it takes a thaw which sweeps 

 the ground clear of snow to reveal them. 



It is good now and then to get a green 

 Christmas such as we have just had, for 

 in it we may go forth into the fields and 

 realize that the spring has not retreated 



