THE FERN PARADISE. 



covered with a large bell glass; and under the 

 same covering we have the Lanceolate Spleen wort 

 and the True Maidenhair. It is, in fact, a minia- 

 ture rockery which we have established under 

 glass. Already the moisture has coated the 

 bricks and stony surfaces with moss and seedling 

 Ferns ; and we take a keen delight from time to 

 time in uncovering our miniature c Fern Paradise ' 

 to get a brief glimpse of the shining Fern-fronds, 

 tipped with the mimic dewdrops which distil upon 

 them in their moist prison. 



10. 



THE SCALY SPLEEN WORT. 



Asplenium ceterach. 



PLATE 7, FIG. 10. 



|OK richness and variety of colouring, the 

 Scale Fern is the handsomest of the 

 Spleenworts. It is, indeed, an ex- 

 quisite little plant. Like the rest of its family, it 



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