TilE BUCK LEU FERNS. 



add to the strikingly ornamental appearance of 

 the frond. 



The vigour and hardiness of the Male Fern are 

 so great, that in sheltered situations the fronds 

 will oftentimes withstand the winter, remaining 

 fresh and green throughout, and retaining their 

 verdancy until the fresher green of the new spring 

 fronds diminishes their lustre by comparison. 



The root-stock of the Male Fern often becomes 

 very much elongated, and resting horizontally on 

 the hedge-bank or other sloping situation on 

 which it may be placed, sends out its tuft of 

 fronds from one end, whilst the other is plunged 

 in the soil, from whence its matted, wiry, fibrous 

 rootlets gather the essential moisture. 



No Fern can be more easily cultivated than 

 Lastreafilix-mas. Its hardy character renders it 

 especially suited to be an inhabitant of the open- 

 air rockery, where it will brave the frosts and 

 snows of winter. It can stand sunshine; but, 

 like the more delicate of its kind, it most loves 

 the shade. Peat, rich loam, and sand, with leaf- 

 mould, should compose the soil in which it is 

 grown, whether in the garden or in the house. 



343 



