EAGLE FERN. 77 



*' When the fern is as high as a spoon, 

 You may sleep an hour at noon ; 

 When the fern is as high as a ladle, 

 You may sleep as long as you're able ; 

 When the fern begins to look red, 

 Then milk is good with brown bread." 



The beauty and pleasant associations of this luxuriant 

 fei-n are celebrated in song by a modern poetess, who 

 says, in her appropriate lines, 



" Have ye to learn how the Eagle Fern 



Does in its heart enshrine 



An oak-tree, like that which the hunter Hearne 

 Haunted in days ' long syne ' 1 



" Aii oak-tree small is repeated, all 



Complete in branch and root, 

 Like the tree wheveunto King Charles did flee, 

 W T heu press'd by hot pursuit." 



From its large and rapid growth, the depth of soil 

 required for its roots, and the amount of space 

 necessary, this fern is scarcely adapted for an ordi- 

 nary fern collection, although there are positions 

 where it is very ornamental ; such as in shrubberies, 

 in parks, and paddocks. It is not difficult to trans- 

 plant, if only care be taken that the large long 

 rhizome be not injured in removal, which had better 

 take place in the winter. Any soil is indifferent to 

 its success, so that it be not chalky. 



