CLOVELLY 
*39 
the ferny bank on our left meanwhile rising higher and 
higher. Under the shelter of its overarching trees are 
glorious forms of Lastrea Jilix-mas, four feet three inches in 
length; of Lady Ferns three inches longer; and of Blechnnm 
spicant. Under the shadow of this tree-covered bank gleams 
of sunshine have found their way through the twisted 
branches, and the curling leaves are silver-tipped where the 
sunny gleams fall upon them. Now on our right our path 
passes along the crest of the bank which heads the combe, 
Whose leafy depths lie below us. A little further on the 
banks on our left are covered with ferns, ivy, and wild 
flowers, and topped by a taller growth of trees, whilst the 
prospect is opened out on our right between a gap in the 
trees of the mouth of the bosky combe, widening as it nears 
the sea, whose blue surface is calmly set out below. From 
where we stand we can see the rippling waters. The 
distance, however, is too great to hear the surge. But 
the soft music of the murmuring stream which hisses as it 
tumbles down the combe below us rises deliciously to the ear. 
We continue our path, and as we proceed the bosky ferny 
hill on our left rises higher above us, whilst the bank which 
edges the path gets steeper, its sides of slate rock and sand- 
stone, darkly mantled Avith ivy, and dotted with Fern, moss, 
and wild-flower. But how can pen describe the exquisite 
scene which lies below us on our right ? A steep ferny bank 
densely clothed with a charming drapery of trees Avhich 
screen sea and sky, hiding from sight all but tiny glimpses 
of both from betAveen leafy interstices : and the sound of 
the hissing stream below comes to our ear Altered and 
softened by the intervening mass of Avood, and leaf, and 
branch. 
As the Avay opens out, the tops of the trees on each side 
of us no longer fling their branches across the path Avhere 
iioav the sunlight is admitted. Our road then for a short 
