XXX INTRODUCTION. 



simply this : that while the power of destructive 

 natural agents is restrained, that of beneficial natural 

 agents is retained, and its efficacy ensured. 



Carrying out the system, nothing is more easy than 

 to raise any species of Fern from the seed, which 

 every herbarium affords abundant opportunity of pro- 

 curing ; and thus Ferns from every country may be 

 assembled in our houses, with even less trouble than 

 by transporting the roots in cases. The seeds should 

 be first detached from the frond by gently rubbing 

 the masses of thecae, and shaken on a common 

 dinner-plate ; then, having procured some light sandy 

 earth, crumble it on the plate, and shake it about for 

 a minute or two, when all the seeds will be found 

 adhering to the little masses of earth ; spread this 

 earth, as lightly as may be, over other light sandy or 

 loamy earth, either in a garden or in a flower pot, 

 in doors or out, always taking care very carefully to 

 cover the seed with a bell-glass, or other glass cover, 

 excluding, as completely as possible, communication 

 with the outer air. In a few weeks the young ferns 

 will come up abundantly, in a sinuous horizontal 

 frond, closely resembling that of Marchantia ; but in a 

 very short time other fronds will succeed, having the 

 true characters of Ferns. 



Fully believing that our beautiful Ferns will be- 

 come ere long the denizens of our drawing-rooms, 

 and knowing that in many instances they are al- 

 ready so believing also that many who are lovers of 



