FERNS OF THE PACIFIC COAST. 25 



different objects of interest and more prominent features, all laid out 

 in the most artistic manner, and kept in the best of order. 



The aim should be to bring to the denizens of the city the priceless 

 boon of plenty of fresh air and sunlight, amid pleasant surroundings, 

 particularly to the poor, many of whom can not afford to spend the time 

 or have not the means to take a vacation. 



It should be a place where the clerk and shopkeeper may find recrea- 

 tion, where the artisan and the laborer with their families may find 

 rest and enjoyment. 



Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. 



FERNS OF THE PACIFIC COAST. 



BY LORENZO GORDIN YATES. 



Ferns have attracted the attention of lovers of nature from time 

 immemorial, since their gracefulness, delicacy, and varied forms place 

 them among the loveliest of plants. The literature of the day is full 

 of allusions to them. In our homes they are most eagerly sought, and 

 are used in an infinite variety of ways. It is, therefore, not surprising 

 that people turn to these beautiful plants to learn their names and 

 study their needs. 



BEAUTY AND VARIETY OF FORM. 



Ferns form a very distinct and attractive group of plants. They 

 are familiar to all observers of natural objects from the beauty of their 

 ample foliage, which is most commonly plume-like in form, of a fresh 

 and vivid green hue, and much divided, or cut into small leaflets or 

 lobes. These, on close observation, are seen to be marked on the sur- 

 face, or lightly sculptured, or embossed with delicate veining. 



Ferns exhibit all the grace and beauty resulting from finely-divided 

 foliage, the various tints of green which rest the eye, the rich browns as 

 an artistic contrast, and further contrasts of large, coarse-growing forms, 

 to enhance the beauties of the more delicate and filmy species. 



Some resemble blades of grass, from which they can with difficulty 

 be distinguished ; others, creeping, unambitious vines, which carpet the 

 soil in the shade of the forest trees, or cover the rough surface of rocks 

 with a tapestry of nature's weaving. 



The Gleichenias (pronounced G-like-ne'-as) climb over rocky surfaces, 

 and among shrubs and undergrowth, supporting and protecting with 

 their wiry stems the more fragile and delicate ferns and flowering plants 

 from injuries which might otherwise be inflicted upon them by the 

 movements of animals, and other causes. 



