THE FERN PARADISE. 



few which exceed that of the culture of flowers 

 We agree heartily with the Author, that in the con- 

 fined atmosphere and badly -lighted rooms of many 

 of our working-class some of the hardy Ferns 

 would be likely to flourish much better than 

 flowering plants, and that many a useless back- 

 yard might, with patience, attention, and a small 

 outlay, be converted into miniature ' Fern para- 

 dises.' In conservatories, properly constructed, 

 Ferns will grow luxuriantly, and it is surprising 

 that more of these charming ferneries are not 

 built in situations where the proximity of the 

 backs of other houses compels at present the use 

 of ground glass in back drawing-room windows.' 1 

 Another Reviewer in a morning journal remarks 

 that ' of all kinds of window gardening Fern- 

 culture is the most delightful, the cheapest, and 

 the least troublesome.' 2 This writer explains 

 why it is that on the part of some people the love 

 of Ferns becomes a passion. He says, i To those 

 who have any appreciation of the subtle grace 

 and tender beauty of organic form, no plants are 



1 The Standard. 2 The Daily Telegraph. 



48 



