BRISTLE FERN. 83 



this fern on account of its intractable nature under 

 ordinary methods of culture. Loddiges, the cele- 

 brated nurseryman, could never keep it alive ; and 

 Mr. Ward relates that Baron Fischer, the superin- 

 tendent of the botanical establishments of the Emperor 

 of Russia, when he saw the plant growing in one of his 

 cases, took oft' his hat, made a low bow to it, and said, 

 " You have been my master all the days of my life." 

 Mr. Ward thinks the difficulties in cultivating this 

 fern arise solely from a dry atmosphere and the pre- 

 sence of adventitious matters. With him it lived for 

 four years in a Vide-mouthed bottle, covered with 

 oiled silk, during which time it required no water; but 

 having outgrown its narrow bounds, it was removed 

 to some rock-work, in a fern-house, covered with a 

 bell-glass, and occasionally watered. Here it pro- 

 duced fronds one-fourth larger than any native speci- 

 mens from Killarney or elsewhere. Mr. Ward re- 

 commends that the rhizomes of this fern should be 

 planted in a case, or under a bell-glass, and the'fronds 

 sprinkled with water two or three times a week in 

 summer, less frequently in winter, keeping the door 

 of the case always shut, a drain age- valve at the 

 bottom always open. A subdued light, coming 

 through tinted glass or coloured muslin, is desirable. 

 In a case suited to Trichomanes it is unlikely that 

 any other fern will thrive, unless it be Aspknium 

 marinum. 



