MOSSES. 21 



interstices formed by the roots, looking fresh and green in 

 even the most sultry weather, and sported over by dancing 

 lights and shadows, as over-arching branches wave in the 

 breeze of summer. Wild strawberries grow among our 

 friendly tufts, that keep the otherwise dry soil moist, and 

 the merry voices of young children ofttimes wake up the 

 echoes when searching for their scarlet-coloured fruit. Some 

 adventurous urchin makes a ladder of the old roots, and 

 climbs to their high growing-place, while his little sister 

 holds up her blue apron for the tempting bunches which 

 he warily throws down. And then what glee and peals of 

 merriment, and trampling of young feet, are heard and seen, 

 as first one, then another, vainly attempt to scale the high 

 bank, and as often tumble in their rashness ! 



But still more beautiful are mosses when clustering 

 round the well-head of a bright, clear stream, that gushes 

 forth from a rugged bank, mantled with ferns and flowers, 

 throwing its random spray on the bright green brotherhood, 

 and causing them to drip and glisten in the sunbeams, even 



