WILD FLOWER SANCTUARIES 



prevent a too robust growth of bushes and un- 

 derwood. Encourage Elders and Blackberries 

 within reason — for the birds are the fairies who 

 plant the wildlings, and they follow the lure of 

 the berry. A piece of land with a ledge of rock 

 and a pond or swamp below is ideal. It need 

 not be rich land: many of the plants find their 

 home in the sphagnum sponge of the forest floor. 

 Wondrous results are sometimes obtained by 

 transporting a few bushels of surface earth 

 from another field ; also seeds may be scattered 

 and roots transplanted. But one need not be 

 discouraged though space be small ; even a small 

 space may have shade, humus, protection. 

 Most wild flowers transplant readily — if one 

 goes forth with a basket and trowel, exercising 

 reasonable care, the little creatures will take 

 the leap safely even in the blooming period, 

 which is the time they are most desired. Many 

 by midsummer have virtually disappeared 

 among the stronger enfolding green, others have 

 lost all their leaves — only retaining their seed- 

 pods — still others have wholly disappeared, 



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