CHAPTER VII. 



A FERN PARADISE AT HOME. 



\ T TE have offered the preceding very simple 

 definitions of the distinctive characteristics 

 of ferns, merely as some kind of guide to those 

 who are totally unable to distinguish a fern 

 from another plant. But if at first there be 

 any difficulty in making this distinction, it will be 

 short-lived. About ferns, whether small or large, 

 whether just starting into life or developed into 

 their grandest proportions, there is an almost 

 indescribable aspect of majesty and grace. We 

 have often wandered for miles through ferny lanes, 

 with no eye for any plant but ferns. They have 

 seemed to speak to us, and they have invited and 

 engrossed our attention. We have said, and we 

 repeat, that the study of ferns has become on the 

 part of thousands a passion. We know of no 



