
          290.

with a basketful of ferns (fronds of Osmunda cinnamomea)
We learned that he was on his way to town to sell
them.  He had also a small bit of Nepeta [illegible]
which he called Wild Bergamot.  Learning that we
were after plants he thought it a good opportunity
to strike a bargain with us.  His ferns had been
taken special care of, in fact grown in warm place and
forced.  His Wild Bergamot, he said was growing in a 
large tub and "Don't you know" he said, it has spread
all over the tub and run down its sides, and it can
stand the winter.  Why if you had it I don't know what
you might make of it."  Of course nothing will kill
this Old World weed, it is here and it has come to
stay.  We however didn't want any of his plants so bade
him good-bye and hurried on.  Later in the day, as
we were going home, we met him, he had not only diposed
of his plants but his basket also, and his money, no
doubt had all been spent in drink; he was now staggering
along from one side of the road to the other.
The day was an ideal one for the birds.  All day long
        