The moss was the first primeval coating of vegetation just clothing those lava-rocks again.

The root that comes out from the crevice is his trunk, and the moss and lichens which hang down on either side are his pendant ears; and see, he has a great tower on his back, wherein is seated a warrior in his ancient armor, grasping battle-axe and spear.

The snow had gone; the pink blossoms of the wild currant were open, the budding alders stood misty green against the blue black of the pines, the brambles on the burnt stumps were in tenderest leaf, and every moss on every stone was this year's work, fresh from the hand of the Maker.

The moss, so rich, deep, soft, and earthily fragrant, was a springy stair-carpet of a steep stairway.

There are few trees, and these small; cranberries grow among the heather, and Iceland moss is a plentiful article of food.

"A dismal moss is Dardale Moss, sir; and a bleak clim' up the fells on t' other side.

Bill Moss was his owner.