FERNS. 49 



" With hieroglyphics older than the Nile 

 The heavens are studded," 



but not less old and wondrous are the hieroglyphics im- 

 pressed within our stems. Linnseus gave us the specific 

 name of Aquilina, fancying that our heraldic emblem re- 

 sembled a spread eagle. Those who lived in the troublous 

 times which preceded the Commonwealth, lurking, per- 

 chance, in our lone growing-places, beguiled their sad 

 thoughts by cutting our stems obliquely, and called such 

 tintings by nature's pencil " King Charles in the Oak-tree." 

 Strange legends are associated with our small tribe, said 

 a faint voice, speaking from a tuft of moonwort ; legends 

 which still linger round many a time-hallowed spot. Our 

 name, derived from the Saxon word mund, signifies strength, 

 in allusion to our invigorating virtues; and those who 

 examine the base of our stems, when spring is on the hills, 

 may discover the rudiments of the next year's plant. Our 

 leaves are crescent-shaped, bearing a close resemblance to 

 the moon in her first and last quarter : and hence the 



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