THE FERN PARADISE. 



found growing on open hedge-banks ; but these 

 are not its favourite or its natural habitats ; and 

 when by chance it may be growing there, it will 

 be found to have lost half of its natural grace and 

 delicacy. In the deepest shade of the wood, on 

 moss-covered soil, through which pure water 

 unceasingly percolates, causing heavy moisture to 

 pervade the air ; or at the foot of a shady bank, 

 over which trickles a tiny stream from the level 

 above it ; or perchance perched in the dark cleft 

 formed by the overhanging rock of a waterfall, 

 will you find the Lady Fern developed to its finest 

 proportions, and assuming its most graceful and 

 beautiful aspect. 



A charming occupant for your e Fern paradise ' 

 is the Lady Fern. Whether in the house or the. 

 garden it matters not, it will thrive well. But 

 remember that it lives upon shade and moisture. 

 These are its food and drink ; and without them 

 it will shrink and die. If in the garden, place it 

 in the shadiest corner of your rockery, and when 

 there you can never give it too much water. But 

 give ib full freedom. Place it where it can 

 have ample space to unroll and spread out its 





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