THE ADDERS-TONGUE. 175 



nature. As in the case of the Bracken and the 

 Moonwort, it is necessary, in order to secure 

 success, to take care in removing the plant to 

 remove as much as possible of the soil in which 

 it is found growing, without disturbing the roots 

 of the fern. Both the Moonwort and the Adders- 

 tongue are found growing in general in open mea- 

 dows or heaths, amongst the grass which abounds 

 in such situations. There is a double advantage in 

 getting up your fern without disturbing its roots. 

 In the first place you make sure that it will grow ; 

 and in the next place you ensure its commencing 

 to grow immediately on removal. You, in fact, 

 bring with your fern a bit of the meadow, or wild 

 heath, and in your home "Fern Paradise" you 

 at once surround your favourite with the delightful 

 association of its habitat. The Adders-tongue 

 does not, perhaps, possess in full measure the 

 attractions of some other members of the beautiful 

 fern family ; but it is, nevertheless, beautiful in its 

 simplicity ; and it should by no means be banished 

 from the fern-house, or the fern-garden, or, indeed, 

 from any part of cultivated fern-land. 



