20 FERNS 



If the culturist will observe Nature always, 

 and follow her lead, gross mistakes like that 

 of planting a rock fern in damp leaf mould 

 will be avoided.. 



Nature may have "method in her madness," 

 oftentimes hidden beneath charming con- 

 fusion, for the aim of true art is to conceal 

 itself; therefore the goddess who rules the 

 woods flings her "lacework" abbut in an 

 apparently reckless manner. Had we the 

 earth to choose from, assuredly no set rules 

 could be given for the selection and arrange- 

 ment of ferns for the border or other situa- 

 tions. However, a few hints from experience 

 may be of service. 



THE DESTRUCTIVE FERN COLLECTOR 



Collectors of ferns may be classed under 

 three heads: scientific, commercial and cul- 

 tural. To be able to add new facts to a 

 known science is the aim of all biologists. 

 Anatomical peculiarities can onlv be demon- 

 strated by the investigation of many speci- 



