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subjects require. Think, for instance, of the drought of 

 June, and yet that day of our visit he had transplanted a 

 big bed of Ferns in full feather, and not one frond was 

 harmed. Novices must observe times and seasons ; experts 

 can do these things at all seasons. To give readers an 

 idea of the riches in Ferns in one collection, we will name 

 a few of each class, from which those seeking to add to 

 their stocks may rely on them as good. The Polystichums 

 are strongly represented, while P. angulavc fotundaUim and 

 P. plumosiun cvistatum, ditto setosnm, and a fine cuneatum 

 found by Mr. Phillips on Cavehill, across the Belfast 

 Lough, give a personal touch to these beauties. We must 

 not omit P. a. divisilohum densum, which was variegated, 

 but that is gone. However, P. a. p. vohusUun has retained 

 the golden colour. Lastrea dilatata, with a golden varie- 

 gation, without doubt marks a new feature in Ferns. 

 Polystichnm a. vetvofiexnin is a curiosity, as it looks as if all 

 twisted up. Then P. a. divisilohum stipulatum is a queer 

 thing, as the fronds look as if thatched with a secondary 

 growth. We admire P. a. divisilohitm perserratum longipin- 

 7iatnm. Phillip's Polystichnm plmnosissimum Stansficldii is 

 another gem. The Athyriums are a great family, and we 

 have worthy specimens, as A. filix fcemina acvocladon \o6ks 

 like a moss, while another, A. f.f. pagoda, is called so, as 

 the fronds curve up with fringes below, quite a remarkable 

 specimen among even many very much so. The Poly- 

 podies, as camhvictim, cormibiense, are most excellent Ferns, 

 growing vigorously, too, in the open garden, with very little 

 cover from overhanging trees. Comin^^ upon the Scolo- 

 pendriums (Hartstongues), we are struck with a big bed of 

 wondrous crested forms, some just like mosses, but the 

 marvel is that the major portion of them are variegated. 

 Even crispum is so, but capitatum is green. Now, some 

 authorities will not admit that this variegation is fixed, but 

 here we are assured of it, having ocular proof before us, 

 while certain that the colouring has stood so for ten to 

 twenty years. Truly the possibilities of new and beautiful 



