THE SPLEENWORTS. 267 



with the Marine Spleenwort. In the same com- 

 pany it is also often found growing luxuriantly in 

 dripping sea-caves. 



In the open-air fernery the Lanceolate Spleen- 

 wort requires peculiar care. It does not appear to 

 habituate itself so readily to artificial conditions of 

 existence as the Black Maidenhair; oftentimes, 

 doubtless, the fault may lie with the fern-hunter, 

 who perhaps has not used sufficient care in re- 

 moving Lanceolatum from its native habitats. It 

 often grows so firmly imbedded in rocky clefts 

 that its eradication in an uninjured state is a 

 matter of difficulty. But when this is properly ac- 

 complished, and the plant is secured with its crown 

 uninjured, and its fibrous roots entire, careful culti- 

 vation will be rewarded by success. If planted in 

 the open rockery, or indoors in pots, the soil 

 should be composed of silver-sand, leaf-mould, and 

 peat, mixed together in about equal proportions ; 

 and to this compost should be added some small 

 pieces of sandstone. 



Under a covering of glass, however, Lanceolatum 

 is thoroughly at home ; for such a method of culti- 



