FERNS. 
267 
genealogy, that the hook was written, and has received a place in 
the Holy Scriptures. 
W e liave meanwhile strayed a wide way from our own unglean- 
ed fields ; but the history of Ruth is in itself so very beautiful, 
and it is so full of interest, as connected with a very remote an- 
tiquity, beyond the reach of the oldest Greek literature, that one 
never turns to it without pleasure. While plodding on our daily 
round of duties, if the eye fall by chance upon a pictui'e of 
some great old master, Ave gladly linger a moment to enjoy its 
beauty and excellence ; and thus the noble devotion of Ruth, seen 
amid the ancient frame-Avork of the sacred historian, never fails to 
delight the imagination, to refresh the mind, to strengthen the 
heart, Avhenever Ave tium to it from the cares of our own path 
through life. 
Tuesday, 22d. — Pleasant ; Avalked in the Avoods. Gathered a 
fine bunch of ferns. All the plants of this kind groAving in our 
neighborhood belong, I believe, to the common sorts. We have 
none of the handsome climbing-fern here, Avith its palmate leaves ; 
it is found nearly as far north as this, but nearer the coast, and on 
loAver ground. The walking-fern, also, another singular variety, 
rooting itself like the banyan, from the ends of its long entire 
leaves, is a stranger hei'e, though found within the State. The 
maiden-hair, Avith its very delioate foliage, and polished brown 
stem, is the prettiest variety we have near us. 
Wednesday, 2Zd . — The swallows have left the chimneys. This 
evening they Avere flying over the grounds in parties, as though 
preparing to take leave. There was something peculiar in their 
movement ; they Avere flying quite Ioav, through the foliage of the 
trees, and over the roof of the house, returning again and again, 
