29 



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table mats, large and small. On a basis of white satin 

 portions of carefully dried fronds of the best varieties were 

 tacked and then covered with very fine muslin, also tacked 

 unobtrusively so as to keep the fronds f^at and free from 

 damage. A fine lace edging completed the work, and with 

 care these most beautiful ornaments for the table have 

 lasted undamaged for years, and still exist in the possession 

 of old friends as cherished mementoes. The fern fronds 

 were so arranged as to permit of doubling the material 

 here and there, and as proper drying ensures the retention 

 of the normal green colour indefinitely, time has made no 

 difference in this respect. Here, at any rate, is demon- 

 strated the possibility of producing something permanently 

 beautiful and useful by any lady who can obtain the needful 

 material. 



C. T. D. 



A REGAL OSMUNDA. 



Osmunda vegalis, the Royal or " Flowering " Fern, is I 

 fear a diminishing quantity. At any rate I know of dis- 

 tricts where it used to grow which to-day know it^no more. 

 On the other hand, I am pleased to observe that in this 

 neighbourhood (Studland) it is on the increase, although of 

 this fact the " Flora of Dorset " (1895) is discreetly silent. 

 It is rather a curious coincidence that 1895 ^^^^ ^^^ year I 

 first became acquainted with the specimen in question. 

 Since then I have visited this stately Fern several times, 

 and last year took its photograph and dimensions. The 

 former is unsuitable for reproduction, as although I watched 

 and waited for fifteen minutes, I could not catch the plant 

 in a quiescent condition. Only a photographer can appre- 

 ciate fully these quiet forces of nature which so cften 

 operate — especially by the sea-side — to render his efforts 

 nugatory. However, the dimensions still stand, and are: — 

 Caudex, or crown, 8j feet in circumference ; this crown was 

 2^ feet above the soil, while the average length of the fronds. 



