THE FERNY MOORLANDS. 
105 
about to emerge from the darkness of the tunnel, 
we may see on a moist part of its arch the deep, 
dark, shining-green fronds of some Hartstongues. 
Or we may espy specimens of the Black Maiden¬ 
hair Spleenwort, of the Wall Rue, and of the 
Common Maidenhair Spleenwort. Now the light 
increases; but fields and hedge-rows are still shut 
out by the steep sandstone and slate rock, from 
which, however, high up above our heads cluster 
and peep out numerous ferny tufts, looking 
freshest and greenest where, from the high level 
above, some trickling moisture falls over the 
steep rock. Then, for a moment, the high land 
appears to recede as the train rushes through 
some gorge, leaving hill and cutting behind, and 
revealing to the eyes of the delighted passenger 
the wood-covered and ferny valley, or the Fern- 
covered upland slope. 
A railway is seldom suggestive of Fern-land. 
The hourly rush of traffic, for passengers and 
{ goods/ reminds one unpleasantly of the town, 
and of its hurry and bustle. The railway indeed 
—to the lover of Nature—mars the free wild 
aspect of the woods and fields. 
