22 FERNS 



the other classes. He wishes to make them 

 grow where they can be studied and enjoyed 

 with less trouble than in their native haunts. 

 Cultural experience not only teaches the 

 value of the individual plant but discreet 

 selection, for only certain forms and stages 

 of growth will fit into the various places 

 which he wishes to fill; these he learns to tell 

 at a glance without reckless waste of raw 

 material. 



But the gospel of moderation is everywhere 

 in order, for vandals are in our midst under 

 every guise. There is no end to the wanton 

 destruction of plant life by persons having no 

 real interest in Nature, but who ruthlessly 

 pull up that which attracts the eye for the 

 moment and as quickly throw it aside. 

 Granted that none of us own the wild things 

 growing, and that nobody can "stake a 

 claim," yet the smallest soul among us should 

 feel conscience-stricken for spoiling, even for 

 a laudable purpose, gems of art which Nature 

 has taken years to perfect. 



