i;o THE FERN PARADISE. 



the substance of the latter is thickened, and the 

 bristle has the appearance of being inserted in a 

 sort of urn. The bristle-like arrangement has 

 given rise to the name of this fern. It will be 

 easily understood, when the delicate, pellucid, 

 filmy texture of the fronds of this beautiful species 

 is remembered, why it is that it cannot exist 

 except in an atmosphere which is perpetually 

 charged with moisture. 



The Bristle Fern can only be grown under 

 a covering of glass ; but it may thus be culti- 

 vated with great success, if due care be taken 

 to imitate as nearly as possible the conditions 

 which are natural to it. Peat and silver-sand 

 and pieces of freestone should compose the 

 soil. The plant should be placed between the 

 pieces of stone, and the pot or case in which 

 it is contained must be kept constantly covered 

 with a glass shade or frame, so as to retain 

 the utmost possible amount of moisture. Under 

 such conditions it will grow luxuriantly; and it 

 is well worthy of care, for it is a plant of great 

 rarity and of exquisite delicacy. 



