FERXS AXD MOSSES. iio 
ample stream, and having, moreover, a considerable morass, 
favourable to the growth of many species, where a few 
stunted specimens of the common Brake-fern (Pteris aqui- 
&") alone were discoverable. They grew under the shade of 
trees, in somewhat swampy ground, and* occupied a small 
space. Many, in passing, looked upon them with indiffer- 
ence ; but their desolate and dwarfish appearance awoke 
within us the thought of fallen fortunes and stately homes 
exchanged for penury and obscurity. 
"TTA ^ 
COMMON BRAKK. 
After leaving the growing-place of this isolated family, 
we sought carefully for more favourable specimens, but in 
vain. The hedges for many miles presented a rich luxu- 
riance of wild roses and honeysuckles ; and a beautiful variety 
of flowers common to the season was seen on either side the 
village roads ; yet not a single fern. iNor was it till we 
reached Oundle, at sixteen miles' distance, that we observed 
small tufts of the Scaly Hart-tongue, springing from fissures 
in an old bridge which crossed the river Nen. One or two 
diminutive Polypodies were seen in the same locality ; they 
D 
