DOWN A GREEN LANE ! 
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lower portion of the bank on the left reaches 
back to such a distance as to envelop the ground 
underneath almost in darkness. In this kindly 
and congenial shelter the ferns are growing to 
grand dimensions, fostered by the darkness and 
humidity which prevail under the leafy canopy. 
Onward, still onward, and downward winds the 
lane, until, all at once, it becomes fairly buried 
under the glorious mass of vegetation which grows 
with such wild and beautiful luxuriance around 
and above. You have now almost to crawl 
underneath the bushes and the graceful fern-fronds 
which literally choke up the way. For twenty or 
thirty yards your path is thus buried, and you 
are compelled to stoop until your chin almost 
touches your knees. Grand as you have hitherto 
found the development of fern-life, here, in this 
spot, you find the grandest development of all. Oh! 
the keen enjoyment you derive from the delicious 
coolness of this almost subterranean avenue! 
Midway in the glorious wealth of green there 
is a slight break in the bushes. Perched in the 
gap is a full blown foxglove ; and away beyond 
