88 



recorded might in time assist in arriving at some definite 

 conclusion as to the cause of fern variation, and wrest from 

 Nature another of her secrets. 



]\Iy experience is limited to Hartstongues, as all other 

 species in this locality, with odd exceptions, appear to be 

 normal. 



I have found dozens of curious and interesting varia- 

 tions of Hartstongues, as the vagaries of ferns, like the 

 " Heathen Chinee," are "peculiar." 



I remember on one occasion finding a curious fern, like 

 a giant S. v. keratoides, or like a stag's horn, branching in 

 all directions. I thought I had a good thing. I brought it 

 home, and from that day to this every frond it has grown 

 has been normal. 



I remember the occasion on which I found my first 

 specimen of Cystoptevis fragilis, a young normal plant. 

 The following year many of its fronds were twin ; the 

 second year it grew both twin and triple fronds ; while the 

 third year it returned to its natural form, and stubbornly 

 refuses to depart therefrom. 



I should like to say a word or two to such of our 

 members who may not, as yet, have indulged in a Fern 

 hunt nor know how easy it is to overlook a good thing. 

 The important thing on a Fern hunt is " Thoroughness." 

 I considered myself a fairly good searcher, but I remember 

 passing down a short country lane, on two separate 

 occasions, and finding nothing of value. However, on the 

 third visit I found a perfect specimen of S. v. marginatum, 

 the margins of each frond, throughout, cut like the teeth 

 of a fine v/ood saw. It was a full-grown plant, but I had 

 overlooked it twice previously. 



Fern hunting is a pleasant occupation for short 

 holidays, one becomes so absorbed in the pursuit that 

 the minor troubles of life vanish, and one returns re- 

 freshed and rejuvenated, and better equipped for one's 

 duties in life. 



