218 AUGUST. 



air, and forth they spring. Thus it is that 

 farmers are frequently surprised on ploughing 

 up a field that has lain in lea beyond the 

 memory of man, to see a plentiful crop of va- 

 rious and unusual plants spring up. So I have 

 observed in Sherwood Forest that where turf 

 is pared, henbane is almost sure to exhibit 

 itself, though none has been seen in the neigh- 

 bourhood for years. Many instances of this 

 kind have no doubt attracted the attention of 

 all curious lovers of nature. 



Brooks and watery dykes now display a 

 luxuriance of flowers and verdure. The heat 

 which withered all else has cherished them, 

 having a constant supply of moisture. Water- 

 flags, bulrushes, and reeds, have attained their 

 full growth ; the arrowhead grows in large 

 masses elegantly interspersed with its delicate 

 flowers. The white and yellow water-lilies still 

 flourish, as do those richly blossoming plants, 

 the crimson loosestrife and flowering rush. 

 Willows are still rich in foliage, and to those 

 who love to take a book into some pleasant 

 sylvan nook, it is very charming to stroll during 

 the warmth of the day amongst the willow-holts 

 on the banks of rivers. The ground is dry, you 

 may lounge at your ease. There is a grateful 

 freshness in the wilderness of green boughs and 

 leaves that surround you ; no tree, saith the 



