78 
THE FERN PARADISE. 
now rushing down in a miniature cascade, as its 
bed falls suddenly out of its smooth and even 
descent; and finally, with a parting c gurgle , 5 
disappearing under the dark arch of the bridge. 
On all sides, growing out of the steep bank that 
bounds the brook, dropping from the moss- 
covered sides of the bridge, perched on the tops 
of the tiny boulders that peep out of the water, 
Ferns drop the tips of their wavy fronds into the 
cool, mirror-like surface of the stream. 
Above, around, beneath us, Ferns, Ferns, a 
paradise of Ferns ! 
