FERXERIES. 



377 



in length. It is truly a magnificent evergreen fern, but attains its 

 greatest perfection when a little protected from cold and damp to its 

 fronds. I have hundreds of the common variety, and numerous 

 examples of the different varieties which have been raised by 

 horticulturists. In my judgment the common fern is the most useful 

 for a garden, and upon the whole the most beautiful. 



The CeteracJi (fig. 868), an evergreen fern, grows as well upon my 

 wall as it does in Italy. In that country it lives on the Apennines 

 and on Mount Vesuvius, in situations where one would suppose that 

 any living plant would be literally baked. It is, however, rather difficult 

 to establish, and, until well rooted, requires slight perpetual moisture, 

 though not too much. 



FIG. 868. Ceterach officinarum. 



FIG. 869. Cystopteris montana. 



FIG. 867. Scolopendrium 

 vulgare. 



The two Woodsias, W. ilvcnsis and W. alpina, are rare. The former 

 I grow in a sheltered cave between two pieces of sandstone, and the 

 latter amid pieces of sandstone in a little frame which is covered with 

 glass to protect it in winter. 



All the English varieties of Cystopteris which are deciduous grow 

 with me. I have found C. fragilis in Yorkshire, and it flourishes 

 with me. The variety called Dickeana, from the valley of the Dee, 

 is a good one, and so is C. rcgia, which requires a little shelter in 

 winter. The C. montana (fig. 869) is a magnificent fern, rarely grown ; 

 however, I have a fine plant, which is really beautiful when in per- 

 fection. It should be so situated that the roots are constantly moist, 

 but not wet. 



