THE FERN PAEADISE. 



Too much, however, will not, witli this object, 

 be attempted. The book is not intended to com- 

 pete with strictly botanical treatises. It makes 

 no pretension to be a hand-book. It is in sub- 

 stance what its sub-title indicates, 6 a plea for the 

 culture of Ferns,' and as such it goes forth to the 

 world. But it aims at being widely useful. Many 

 Ferns which grow in lovely Devonshire are never 

 seen in other counties ; but . the county is poor 

 indeed which cannot furnish a few specimens of 

 what are called the common varieties of our 

 native Ferns. 



In the following pages of description the 

 simplest definitions will be given ; and in addi- 

 tion to these, under the name of each Fern 

 information will be furnished as to the particular 

 situations in which it grows, the method of culti- 

 vation, the soil, and other matters which will be 

 of interest for the Fern-lover. 





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