THE FERN PARADISE. 



where clustering foliage shuts out the sun and 

 keeps in the moisture ; damp hedge-sides, where 

 perchance a perpetual trickle is produced by per- 

 colating water ; and the moist and dripping sides 

 of wells. In such places its shining fronds grow 

 to their finest dimensions. In the damp and 

 shady clefts of rocks, too, the Hartstongue loves 

 to grow. Clothing cavern walls and dropping 

 from cavern roofs, it may also be found in great 

 abundance. Oftentimes splendid specimens of 

 this simple and beautiful Fern maybe seen on the 

 moist sides of parapet-walls, that overhang some 

 brook or river ; and in such situations it bends its 

 green and shining tops downwards, until they kiss 

 the sparkling, eddying current below them. There 

 they revel in the spray and vapour which sur- 

 round them, waving their lovely tufts in the wind. 

 The Hartstongue becomes a delightful occupant 

 of the cool rockery in your ' Fern paradise.' Give 

 it the coolest and shadiest nooks, sandy loam, 

 leaf-mould, and peat, and abundance of water, 

 and it will well reward the care bestowed upon it; 

 for its greenness and freshness will always make 

 your heart glad. 



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