28 HAKDY FEENS. 
podium or two ; but I took to more diligent 
readings of Moore, and wished there had been a 
few simple directions as to the how" of finding 
Ferns. 
Of course we made the tour of Loch Lomond 
in the steamer, which was filled with a strange 
mass of human beings bent on pleasure — the 
geologist with his hammer, the young girl with 
her sketch-book, the botanist with a round tin at 
his back, the pedestrian with his knapsack. For 
five minutes we scanned each other, and then 
turned our attention to the scenery. It was a 
glorious day— a day of strongest lights and 
shadows— a day of sun and cloud; and I could 
scarcely fancy any luxury greater than lying down 
on a sofa of plaids, and sailing through this 
beautiful world of waters— cut off, as it seemed 
to be, from any outer world by high frowning 
mountains, by steep shaggy rocks— every minute 
the scene changing, bold rugged Bens melting 
away into bright green islands, and these into a 
far-off distance of more gentle outline. Looking 
