PATTEBDALE. 113 
but in large, beautiful masses. I bought a large 
clump for sixpence. I asked if I could find it for 
myself. 0 dear, no ! quite impossible." It only 
grew in the most inaccessible places where no 
one less brave and active than her spouse dare 
venture. I do not think I quite believed this ; but 
the horses were rested, so we drove on to Patterdale 
— beautiful Patterdale ! — surrounded on all sides 
by hills, reflecting themselves in the clear waters 
lying at their feet. 
I cannot write of Patterdale without a greeting 
to our good friend " Jack," guide, herbalist, fernist, 
umbrella and watch mender, glazier, &c. I made 
acquaintance with Jack at once, and asked of the 
Ferns. Could he take me to find the Asplenium 
viride ? Impossible ; " it only grew in the most 
dangerous places ; but he had a store of plants, 
found long ago, that he could show me. I was 
taken to the spot, and saw about fifty plants, very 
faded and blue-looking as if just transplanted. I 
asked Jack if this were not the case. ''Well, yes ; " 
he had brought them from his own to the inn 
8 
