INTRODUCTORY. 



almost solely to the description of the native 

 haunts of each of his favourites, with practical 

 hints how to transport them to garden, house- 

 window, or rockery, under such conditions that 

 they may flourish as an embellishment of home 

 and a reminiscence of pleasant outings.' The 

 same genial writer adds that ' Ferns, like most 

 things in Nature, are sensitive to thoughtful 

 tenderness, and repay that consideration which 

 consists, not in expensive outlay, but rather in 

 loving study of a plant's likings and dislikings ; 

 and, as the latter only involves observation, it is 

 obviously within the power of any one who will 

 bring home his treasures in a good-sized clump of 

 earth, sufficient to embed the unhurt roots, with 

 root-stock, crown, and fronds standing out from 

 it, to freshen and beautify his home in town with 

 souvenirs of agreeable wanderings afield.' Cer- 

 tainly one of the most important of the objects 

 sought to be attained by the publication of 

 this ' Plea for the culture of Ferns ' is the 

 bringing into the dreariest corners of cities 

 and towns some at least if but a little of 

 the ' green life ' of the country. ' There is no 



37 



