1900-1901-] 6 i 5 



Jones. Through his introduction I made the friendship of those 

 who were then the giants of the cult — Mr. Wollaston, of Chisel- 

 hurst ; Dr. Fox, of Bristol ; Mr. Carbonell, of Usk ; Mr. Lowe, 

 of Shirenewton Hall ; Mr. Fraser, Edinburgh, &c. Many of 

 these I visited. 



Numerous exchanges took place and my collection rapidly 

 grew. 



In i860 I removed to Alfred Street where I had a fair sized 

 yard. I covered most of it with glass, and brought all my 

 treasures with me, and made a rockery, and had the water laid 

 on for a fountain and watering ; Mr. Gray kindly helped in 

 making this. I continued there until 1866 when I removed to 

 Holywood, where I have resided ever since. This was the best 

 move I could have made, I had a large garden, good soil and 

 situation, and plenty of room for all kinds of alpines and ferns. 

 After a visit from Colonel Jones, I was advised to plant my 

 ferns all in the open ; just like other plants ; they succeeded 

 well, and this is the best way, where the air is pure British 

 ferns do not require coddling in a greenhouse. 



" Do not be afraid of ferns. They like being moved and 

 divided and will forgive almost anything but neglect." Such a 

 garden as I have is within the reach of most people, and need 

 not be confined to the well-to-do. 



It has been my good fortune to meet in England many 

 working men, with a tiny plot, who have fine collections of 

 ferns, the results of their own fern hunting and raising, and 

 careful attention. 



"Yes, in the poor man's garden grow, far more than hei^s 

 and flowers— kind thoughts, peace of mind, and joy for weary 

 hours.'' 



11 Whatever cheerful and serene supports the mind, supports 

 the body too." 



I hope seme more of the members will take up the study 

 with vigour, do not be afraid of the difficulty of learning, collect 

 any ferns you may find and plant them, you will then by 

 observation notice the differences in species and varieties. 



