132 THE FERN PARADISE. 



proceeded to pick up the broken piece, when 

 wonderful to behold, it was not a broken piece at 

 all, but the persevering tip of an enterprising frond 

 which had found its way right through the rockery, 

 and had begun gracefully and triumphantly to 

 unfold on the top. What this clever Bracken 

 will ultimately do, it is impossible to say ; but 

 we shall not be surprised, after its adventure 

 through the rockery, to find its fronds peeping up 

 in any part of our garden. 



The Bracken is a great favourite of ours ; and 

 it cannot be other than a favourite with all true 

 fern-lovers. Give it shade, moisture, rich loam 

 and leaf-mould, and plenty of room to creep, and 

 it will bring to your " Fern Paradise " the wild 

 grace of the forest. 



