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THE FERN PARADISE. 
derived from the knowledge that such pleasure 
has really been afforded. 
If, however, the author should have succeeded 
in his object, he trusts that any pleasurable 
impressions which may have been conveyed to 
those who have followed him thus far through 
this volume will not be merely transient, or 
such as might be experienced if, to a rapid 
perusal of the descriptions which have been 
given of ferns and ferny lanes, were to succeed 
obliviousness of the important end which the 
book is intended to secure. 
The author would wish to address his readers 
not collectively only, but individually. His labour 
will have missed its purpose if it does not, besides 
creating pleasant fancies, lead to practical and per- 
manent good. Will it be too much to hope that 
every one who reads these pages will receive some 
benefit from their perusal, and will not lay the 
volume aside without having determined to carry 
out in practice the suggestions which it con- 
tains ? There is the greater reason to hope for 
such a result because of the very small amount 
