124 HOW TO KNOW THE FERNS 



many instances if the rock is chipped away 

 the Fern can be readily taken from its position. 

 As the specimens are secured it is most 

 important to take steps to protect them from 

 withering. First of all, wrap a portion of damp 

 newspaper round the roots, and then tie up 

 with dry paper. When on a holiday the Ferns 

 may be kept alive and in good condition for a 

 week or so, if they are placed in some shady 

 corner with their roots protected in the manner 

 described. An occasional sprinkling of water 

 will help to prevent any withering. Of course, 

 for packing it is often necessary to cut off 

 some of the largest fronds; and there is not 

 much lost by so doing, for these often become 

 very much damaged, and will probably die 

 when the plant is established in its new quarters. 

 The question is often asked at what time of 

 the year may Ferns be removed. Nearly all 

 our native species will surfer transplanting at 

 almost any season if the business is carried 

 out on the lines indicated. Of course, most 

 specimens are probably taken up in the summer 

 when the handsome foliage attracts the eye. 

 In some ways this is the least satisfactory 

 time on account of the hot dry weather, but 

 by protecting the roots there is no reason 

 why the specimens should flag to a harmful 

 extent. Of course, newly acquired Ferns will 

 pay for extra attention in the way of watering 

 until they have secured a proper roothold. 



A very interesting way of studying Ferns is 

 that of collecting the fronds of the species 

 which the hunter may come across. This is a 

 pursuit to which no sort of objection can be 

 taken, for, of course, the plant itself is not in 

 any way disturbed, and is not in the least 

 likely to suffer from having one or two of its 



