TilE SPLEENWORTS. 



upon a number of tufts of Asplenium marinum- 

 It was a matter of considerable difficulty to get 

 them out intact. The roots were positively im- 

 bedded in the solid rock ; and it was only by dint 

 of persevering labour with a chisel that we at 

 length succeeded, by chipping away the surround- 

 ing rock, in getting out our plants entire. We 

 carefully preserved our specimens ; and we have 

 them now, green and vigorous, in our glass case. 

 The Sea Spleen wort will rarely be found to 

 grow, it is said, on the open rockery, away 

 from the sea, as it needs the sea air. But in 

 a glass case it will grow luxuriantly. It should 

 be planted between fragments of rock red sand- 

 stone if possible in soil composed of sandy leaf- 

 mould and peat. It loves warmth and excessive 

 moisture ; and in the house these conditions are 

 supplied if it be kept under a covering of glass. 

 We have adopted the plan of devoting a large 

 ornamental Fern-pan to our specimens, filling up 

 with the necessary soil upon a layer of broken 

 flower-pot and charcoal. On the top of the soil 

 are large pieces of brick and stone, and between 

 these our Ferns are planted. The whole is 



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