70 



which are some of the most beautiful varieties of British 

 Ferns. The whole collection was, however, in the most 

 robust health, not a " livery " specimen amongst them, and 

 the dimensions to which some of the clumps had attained 

 was indeed a revelation, indicating what can be accom- 

 plished by skilful cultivation and suitable environment. 



The next day being fine we determined to go on a ramble 

 through the Leigh Woods, in search of varieties, though 

 the country near Clifton is not rich in ferns. On our way 

 we skirted the walls of the gardens, on which we discovered 

 some delightful little crested specimens of Scolopendvium 

 vulgare which, however, could not be regarded as wild 

 finds, having in all probability grown from spores escaped 

 from the garden. They were, however, owing to the height 

 of the wall, secured with some difficulty, the writer posing 

 as Atlas and the Editor as the Universe. 



In the woods we iound Folypodiuin vulgare in plenty on the 

 trunks and stumps of oak trees, but no varieties. De- 

 scending to the river side, the face of the cliff was dotted in 

 fair abundance with Aspleniiiin viita muvavia, and occasional 

 specimens of Cetevach officinavum. A frugal lunch at a way- 

 side inn, a trip upon the electric tram to Brislington, the 

 home of the late Dn Fox, and a return to our hotel con- 

 cluded a most enjoyable visit, the fruits of which adorn my 

 fernery, affording bright promise of delights in store. 



W. B. Cranfield. 



SPRING TREATMENT OF HARDY FERNS. 



When this issue of the " Gazette " reaches its subscribers 

 it will be the best time of the year for the dividing, repot- 

 ting and general overhauling of their collections, since after 

 the long winter's rest the plants are in the best condition 

 to withstand such operations with the least detriment. This 

 is partly due also to the fact that the new season's fronds, 

 under quite cold treatment, are still comfortably packed up 

 in the crowns of ferns of the shuttlecock persuasion, while 

 any damage which may result to the old ones of evergreen 



