T3I 



There is seen the Atliyvmm in its manifold variety, but 

 beyond all there is Polystichnm divisilobum phtmosmn in all 

 its glorious shades and shapes of colour and form. No 

 " withered cheek nor tresses grey " among them, the rusty 

 tips are happily absent, for it is a plant that revels in the 

 fresh air. 



Colonel Sir George Holford, of Westonbirt, Tetbury, 

 has, too, a collection of British Ferns which adds even to 

 the beauty of his beautiful grounds. They are all carefully 

 selected plants, "Monstrosities" are rigorously excluded, 

 and the number of good ones is increased yearly. 



Mr. Thos. Kingscote, M.V.O., of Cirencester, has also 

 joined the ranks of Gloucestershire fern-growers, his bold 

 and beautiful rockeries are already rich in ferns of the first 

 water. I think I am right in predicting a prosperous 

 future for the once despised fern — " only British or hardy, 

 you know." 



In these days of Form IV. it is not happily given to 

 many of us to be possessors of broad acres or extensive 

 grounds, yet we have, most of us, a backyard and a 

 corner of the garden facing north — such are my humble 

 possessions. Here I succeed in growing, or rather the 

 plants are good enough to grow for me, in many 

 varieties. 



My study looks out on a yard facing due north — it was 

 such a horrid hole — unsightly winter and summer, dismal 

 beyond words, dull, damp, moss-covered gravel — who 

 could redeem it? A few cart-loads of stones became a 

 rough and natural-looking rockery. There are plants there 

 thirty-five years old, still flourishing in their old age, for I 

 keep them to the one crown. I have them ancient and 

 modern, for who would not provide a place for at least 

 some of the newest and best ? 



Of course, my friends and I have our enemies — my 

 greatest are the cold winds of the early spring, and when 

 shall we have again a seasonable spring ? After various 

 experiments, pcfts, pans and frames of glass, I have 



