Chapter V · Chapter 5

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

plural of “blossom” — reproductive organ of angiosperm plants especially one having showy or colorful parts

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

past form of “care” — feel concern or interest

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

perennial herbs of Europe and Iran; make rapidly growing groundcover for shaded areas

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

plural of “creek” — a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

causing distress or worry or anxiety

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

plural of “family” — a social unit living together

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

firmly closed or secured

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

plural of “forest” — the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

assemble or get together

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

the act of retaining something

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

plural of “island” — a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

and nothing more

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

in an unhurried way or at one's convenience

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

plural of “lily” — any liliaceous plant of the genus Lilium having showy pendulous flowers

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

majestic in manner or bearing; superior to mundane matters

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

engage in

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

not any; not one

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

above and across; more than

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

-ing form of “peep” — look furtively

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

herb with downy leaves and small purple or white flowers that yields a pungent oil used as a flavoring

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

plural of “plant” — buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

kick the ball

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

done or occurring in a brief period of time

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

plural of “reed” — tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera Arundo and Phragmites

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

possessing material wealth

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

precisely, exactly

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

a small wave on the surface of a liquid

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

plural of “rush” — the act of moving hurriedly and in a careless manner

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

having an oblique or slanted direction

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

an upright that is a member in a door or window frame

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

-ing form of “sway” — move back and forth or sideways

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

precisely as stated

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "There's an old punt fastened just about here," said Delia, as they reached the river, "so we can get right out amongst the lilies, and then we can reach the rushes too."

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Their way lay for a short distance along the high-road, then over a stile, and down through the rich flat water-meadows which spread out on each side of the river.

the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

a Caucasian

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

which person or people

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading Tall families of bulrushes and reeds swaying to the wind whistling through them; water-lilies, holding up their flat, green hands to make a table for their white blossoms; forests of willow-herb on the banks, wild peppermint and comfrey, and the blue eyes of forget-me-nots peeping out here and there with modest confidence.

marked by repeated turns and bends

From this reading This course was a very winding one, making all kinds of little creeks, and shallows, and islands on its way, and these were full of delightful plants for any one who cared to gather them.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The Dorn was neither a rapid nor a majestic stream, but took its leisurely course between its sloping banks, with a contented ripple, disturbing no one.