36 FERNS 



beauty if partially veiled by the maidenhair 

 (Adiantum.) But it is a profanation of 

 Nature to force ferns to live in the midst of 

 gorgeous geraniums or other cultivated plants 

 blazing with colour. 



Where Nature has the selection of the 

 floral accompaniments of ferns, her touch 

 will be light and delicate. Wild flowers are 

 the only permissible adjuncts of the fern 

 border, whether as invited guests or as chance 

 comers. 



Beauty of design is often greater than that 

 of colour, hence variety of foliage is often 

 desirable. Orchids of any kind are especially 

 fitting. A trillium here and there, or even 

 a Jack-in-the-pulpit, may preach the gospel 

 of good effect by contrast. Solomon's-seal 

 droops gracefully beneath the interrupted fern 

 (Osmunda Claytoniana), (see Plate i), and is 

 nearly as interesting in its unfolding and 

 development. The ever present herb Robert 

 spreads itself to the left of the oak fern, and 

 Cltntonia borealis carpets the space at the right. 

 This wildling is not as well known as it should 



