1858.] NETLEY ABBEY. 541 



heath, or in a thinly-grown copse. L. Filix-mas is more lanceo- 

 late in outline and more attenuate towards the base of the frond ; 

 the pinnse do not reach their greatest length until they get to 

 the eighth or ninth pair from the base, whilst those of Borreri 

 attain their greatest length at the fourth, or at furthest at the 

 fifth pair; again, the scales upon the stipes and rachis of L. 

 Filix-mas are not above half the number, and are of a much 

 lighter colour than are those of its congener. 



But the greatest difference of all is in their texture. L. Filix- 

 mas is injured by the first sharp frost, becomes papery, and the 

 fronds in winter are easily separated from the caudes ; but those 

 of L. Borreri are tough, wiry, and so persistent that they remain 

 upon the caudex for two years, and cannot be separated from it 

 without being cut. 



NETLEY ABBEY. 



The ruins of Netley Abbey are seldom left unvisited by people 

 of cultivated taste who are sojourning at Southampton, even for 

 a brief period, whether for business, relaxation, or recreation. 

 The walk or drive thither is exceedingly pleasant. From South- 

 ampton the way to Netley Abbey is by the Itchin Ferry ; pedes- 

 trians usually take the right-hand road by the water's edge. The 

 carriage-way is somewhat longer ; by the nearer, or foot-way (it 

 may however now be traversed by a carriage), the distance is be- 

 tween two and three miles; and few places can afford, within 

 that short space, such a combination of agreeable and siiggestive 

 scenery. 



To the commercialist and cosmopolitan, the docks, filled with 

 magnificent steamers and other craft, will present a scene of 

 boundless interest. The historian will be reminded of the days 

 when Alfred, one of the greatest and best of Albion's kings, 

 swayed the sceptre, dispensing justice and patronizing literature 

 only a short distance from the mouth of the river on which these 

 great ships, which serve to unite the most distant parts of the 

 globe, are floating. The same shore will remind him of Canute's 

 reproof of his flatterers, a story which may be but apocryphal, 

 yet, if true, a rare example of regal rebuke of toad-eaters. 



From this port also embarked the gallant armies which, under 



