450 
THE FERN PARADISE. 
is an object of the bigbest importance; and there 
can be no purer enjoyment than that 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 im¬ 
pressions 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, and of the Author’s suggestions re¬ 
specting the cultivation of Ferns at home, were 
to succeed indifference as to 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 permanent 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 sugges- 
