6lO iProc. B.N.F.C. 



excursions for fern hunting, the most prolific of results being to 

 Colin Glen, Castle Dobbs, Old Mill Glen, Gleno, &c. 



For many years I continued to take my family to the Spa, 

 Ballynahinch, in the summer months ; and on an excursion 

 from there to Seaforde, I found my first A.F.F. Cnstatum. 

 We were driving on one of the country cars or shandrydans ; I 

 looking keenly at the hedges as we passed along. I was re- 

 warded by seeing a crested tip of a frond, peeping through the 

 hedge, I jumped off, and succeeded in finding the plant and 

 digging it out. It has proved a most beautiful crest, of a form 

 not since found. That fern is still represented in my collection 

 for at least 40 years. Thus " a thing of beauty is a joy for ever." 

 Divisions of this fern have made their way into most of the 

 best collections in England and Scotland, and is found in the 

 catalogues of the trade. By this time the fern hobby had a good 

 hold. During all this time I endeavoured to induce others to join 

 in the pursuit but with little success. About 1857 I read with 

 pleasure a book on " The Growth of Plants in Closely Glazed 

 Cases," by Mr. N. B. Ward, of the Apothecaries Hall, London, 

 principally applied to the growth of ferns in towns, where 

 smoke and dirt render their growth impossible. This book I 

 lent to others. The late Mr. Robert Patterson was acquainted 

 with Mr. Ward, and had a case on his plan made for the growth 

 of ferns. His son, Mr. W. H. Patterson, informs mc this case 

 is still in existence and in his possession. 



About 1858 a meeting of a few fern lovers was held at Mr. 

 Patterson's house, College Square North, to talk about ferns 

 and the possibility of forming a society to encourage their 

 growth. At this distance of time I forget all who were there, 

 I know Mr. W. H. Patterson, Penrose Beale, Thomas Malcom- 

 son, and myself, and Mr. Robert Patterson. A resolution was 

 passed forming u The Belfast Wardian Society." Thus assoc- 

 iating Mr. Ward's name with the enterprise, and issuing a 

 circular to be sent to fern lovers in other localities asking 

 their assistance. Whom the Gods love are said to die early, I 

 am sorry to say this society died early, too few members. 



