THE FLOEAL WOELD AND GA.EDEN GUIDE. 225 



FERN COLLECTING, 



AND THE FORMATION OF AN OUT-POOR FERNERY. 



|ERNS are so widely distributed that, wherever a rural 

 walk is possible, it is almost certain somewhere in the 

 district ferns may be found. The south-western counties 

 of England constitute the home paradise of the fern 

 collector ; but, as we must find our happiness where 

 our lot is cist, it is better to make the most of the ferns within our 

 reach, than to repine if Cornwall and Devon happen to be terra 

 incognita. In the neighbourhood of London are many localities 

 rich in ferns, but, as these are for the most part pretty well known, 

 we shall not enumerate them, but proceed at once to make some 

 remarks on collecting ferns for cultivation. It is only during the 

 height of summer that the deciduous kinds can he readily found by 

 inexperienced collectors, and it is at that season that fern hunting 

 proves a particularly agreeahle pastime. It would be better always 

 if the ferns could be removed from their native sites when first 

 about to commence their new growth in the spring, and this can be 

 done sometimes by searching in woods and hedgerows for old fronds, 

 and tracing them to their source. The roots should then be taken 

 up without injury to the crowns, and be at once planted or potted 

 as required, and assisted with shade and shelter until established in 

 the places assigned them in the garden. Experienced collectors 

 may hunt for ferns during the winter to great advantage, in districts 

 where they are known to abound, as, in the event of a mild season, 

 many of the deciduous kinds will be still green ; and evergreen 

 kinds, such as harts-tongue and common polypody, may be better 

 lifted in winter than at any other season. But, as a rule, fern 

 hunting is a recreation for summer time, and any fern may be taken 

 up in the height of summer and be kept with the utmost certainty 

 for cultivation. The worst that is likely to happen is the loss of all 

 the fronds they carry at the time of taking up ; but a new crop will 

 soon succeed them if proper care be taken. The fern collector 

 should be provided with aids and implements adapted to the country 

 in which he is about to make explorations. Where only terrestrial 

 and hedgerow kinds are expected to be found, a large basket — or, 

 better, a pair of baskets of moderate size, such as can be carried one 

 in each hand — will he necessary. They should have close-fitting 

 lids, because if ferns are taken up on a hot day, and exposed for 

 some hours to the atmosphere, the crowns and roots will be so much 

 exhausted that some may die, and all will be injured, whereas, by 

 packing them close, with a little moist moss amongst them, the 

 roots and crowns will be kept tolerably fresh until they can be 

 potted or planted out. A short-handled three-pronged fork and a 

 trowel, and a strong clasp knife will be needful ; and in some 

 instances it will he necessary to borrow a spade or digging-fork 

 near the spot where operations are to take place; for fine old 

 roots of royal osmund, and other large-growing ferns, will defy the 



•AugUBt. 1^ 



