THE FERN PARADISE. 



reality, however, the fructification of the Osmunda 

 looks like what it is a cluster of ripened seed- 

 cases, and it bears but a slight resemblance to 

 a flower. 



In bogland as well as in woodlands and along 

 the streams of moorlands the Royal Fern finds its 

 habitats. The largest specimens have enormous 

 roots, and the Fern-hunter will have to labour 

 hard to get them up. But it is a labour of love, 

 and one not to be delegated to others. After 

 carefully digging up in the woods and trans- 

 planting in your Fern garden a noble specimen, 

 there is an immense satisfaction in remembering, 

 when you see it unroll its fronds in its new home, 

 that you yourself gathered it. Every time you 

 look at it the sight brings back the delightful 

 association of the wild woods and the grand 

 moorland scenery, amongst which you may have 

 wandered in your Fern-hunting rambles. 



Pleasing indeed, almost beyond expression, are 

 the scenes which we recall to mind in connexion 

 with, the stately Osmunda: scenes of sylvan 

 beauty of a rare and unusual kind. We will 

 instance one of these, and the relation may, 



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