FERNS IN THE LIVING ROOM 87 



thither by fitful winds, but the long, taper- 

 ing fronds rooting at the apices throw up 

 other progressive plants. This is the tramp 

 as well as the scribe of the fern family — the 

 sole member of the group literally walking 

 a crack in the rock or inscribing wonderful 

 things on moss-clad walls. The root growth 

 of the walking leaf seems to be a matter of 

 circumstance, for the species thrives equally 

 well in the outdoor world, with much or little 

 nether development. 



For cultural purposes full-sized specimens 

 growing in thin moss are to be avoided; they 

 can be made to grow indoors or outside, but 

 it saves time to select plants from earth-filled 

 crevices or from thick sheets often found on 

 the top or at the base of rocks. 



The staying qualities of the fronds are un- 

 precedented. I have in mind one remark- 

 ably fine specimen with adherent plantlets, 

 all carefully taken up and properly placed 

 on the platter with moss. New growth 

 appeared, other fronds rooted at the apices, 

 but the original fronds were in good condi- 



