FERNS IN THE MIXED BORDER 35 



is nearly horizontal and the lower pair of 

 pinnae are turned sharply down, which gives 

 a sort of apologetic air unusual among ferns. 



FLORAL ACCOMPANIMENTS OF FERNS 



It is a deplorable fact that lack of a sense 

 of the fitness of things cheapens the decora- 

 tions of a good many lawns and gardens. It 

 is the worst possible taste to associate our 

 native ferns with the ordinary bedding plants. 

 In the first place, it spoils the purpose of the 

 wild garden, literally keeping one's thoughts 

 at home when they long for the restfulness 

 of a journey to Nature. In the second place, 

 one or the other is out of harmony with the 

 surroundings. There is a certain incon- 

 gruity, unobserved by the majority perhaps, 

 but keenly felt by those in tune with 

 Nature. 



It is true that some rather pretty effects 

 have been produced in some of our public 

 gardens by thoughtful selection. Double 

 daisies and forget-me-nots lose none of their 



