65 



Alkali is most prevalent in the Bracken {Ptcris aqnilina) 

 and the Male Fern [Lastvea filix mas), and was used in 

 the manufacture of soap and glass, and the dressing of 

 leather. Beer also has been made from a preparation of 

 these two ferns. The bracken in some parts of our land 

 is cut, dried, and stacked, and then used for the bedding 

 of horses and cattle in a similar manner to straw. The 

 very young fronds of this fern, when just raising their 

 crosier-like heads above the soil, are, I am told, most 

 palatable, and much resemble asparagus in flavour. 



The common Moonwort [Botvychium lunavia) was much 

 thought of in centuries long gone by, by the alchemists 

 and professors of magic, and the like. We often read in 

 old works and manuscripts, what strange and wonderful 

 power was attributed to this little fern, with its crescent- 

 shaped leafy pinnae. Hear what Cole has to say about it : 

 *' It is said, yea and believed by many, that the INIoon- 

 wort will open locks wherewith dwelling houses are made 

 fast, if it be put into the keyhole ; as also that it will loosen 

 the locks, fetters, and shoes from those horses' feet that 

 goe on the places where it groweth." And of this 

 opinion was Master Culpeper, who though he railed 

 against superstition in others, yet had enough of it him- 

 self, as may appear by his story of " the Earl of Essex, 

 his horses, which, being drawne up in a body, many of them 

 lost their shoes upoQ White Down, in Devonshire, neer 

 Tiverton, because Moonwort grows upon the heaths." 



Turner, in his *' British Physician," published in the year 

 1687, says, "■ that this fern is neither farrier, smith, or 

 picklock," but believes in its medicinal properties, and also 

 that it is the moon's herb." 



THE JONES AND FOX COLLECTION IN 

 THE CLIFTON ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. 



Following a flying visit when passing through Bristol, 

 I persuaded our Editor to join me in a week-end at Clifton, 

 in itself a most delightful spot, the romantic scenery from 



