VOICES 



THE WOODLANDS. 



CHAPTER I. 



LICHENS. 



Upon this herbless rock a small grey Lichen 

 Did fix her home. She came with meek intent, 

 To hless her stern and sterile place of rest ; 

 And presently her gentle sisters followed, 

 Some vestal white, and some in robes of brown, 

 And some in yellow vestures, labouring all 

 At the same work, with tiny cups held out 

 To catch the rain-drops, and with mattocks small 

 To pierce the rock. And well did they effect 

 Their destined purpose. 



A FEEBLE tribe are we, said a small voice from off a lichen- 

 dotted stone; and yet, Stranger, many a wildly- wooded spot, 

 where giant trees bend from their strong holds over rushing 



