This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1844 edition. Excerpt: ...a little to the left. This part of the grove, was, at the time we are concerned with, much more crowded with underwood than at present. The bushes were then close and strong; fine sprouts of " yerth groon " hazel and ash, were common as nuts; whilst a thick bush of bramble, wild rose, and holly, gave the spot the appearance of a place inclosed and set apart for mysterious concealment. intermingled with these almost impervious barriers, were tufts oftall green fern, curling and bending gracefully; and a little separate from them, and nearer the old oaks, might be observed a few fern clumps of a singular appearance; of a paler green than the others,--with a flatter, and a broader leal,--sticking up, rigid and expanded, like something stark with mute terror. These were " Saint John's Fearn;" and the finest of them was the one selected by Plant for the experiment now to be described. Those oaks have been felled, and the kloof is now comparatively denuded of timber; the underwood on the left side is also nearly swept away. Sad inroads on the ominous gloom of the place. CHAPTER XXII. The Eve of Saint J ohn--The Meeting--The Midnight Scene--Taking of the Fern--Fates of Chirrup, Bangle, and Plant. A little before midnight on the eve of Saint John, Plant, Chirrup, and Bangle, were at the whale-jaw gate, before mentioned; and having slightly scanned each other, they proceeded, without speaking, until they had crossed the brook at a stepping-place, opposite the old F yrin-ho'. The first word spoken was, " What hast thou? " said Plant, exhibiting a brown earthen dish. " What hast thou?" he then asked. " Mine is breet enough," said Chirrup, shewing a pewter platter; and continued,...