TO COLLECT FERNS FOR CULTIVATION. 49 



or collect our ferns in the early spring before the 

 croziers unroll ; but, when the plants are in this 

 condition, only an experienced botanizer knows 

 what to look for, and where to find it. Even the 

 most practised of fern-hunters may only chance 

 upon the opportunity of securing some rare species 

 when it is the worst possible time for removing 

 it. Then, too, it is best to indulge the inspiration 

 of the moment ; for the enthusiasm may not return 

 until too late for another year also. 



Suppose, then, that in July or August, at one of 

 our Northern watering-places, we wish to obtain 

 a small collection of our native ferns in their liv- 

 ing state. The best way of transporting them 

 is, of course, with their fronds uncrushed, in a box 

 or basket of sufficient size. But this is not always 

 practicable. It may be necessary to condense 

 them, in packing, into the smallest possible space. 

 As we collect them, the ferns can be kept in a 

 bowl or basket till we are preparing for our jour- 

 ney home. When we gather them, the roots 

 should be carefully dug up, not wrenched from 

 their surroundings ; and, when we begin to get 

 them ready for their travels, should not be very 

 wet. Suffer the plants to remain without water 

 a day or two before packing : only do not allow 

 them to become exactly dry. Then we may shake 

 off as much of the earth as will readily fall away, 

 and, wrapping each fern with a bit of damp (not 



