100 FERNS 



that is, emphasise natural projections and 

 depressions, and also maintain perfect sim- 

 plicity by careful selection of few and faultless 

 specimens of whatever species are used. 



The graceful droop of an unusually strong 

 wall rue (Asplenium ruta-murarid) on the 

 left is worth remarking; such specimens are 

 never found growing in the open. Lift the 

 branches of the evergreens which sweep low 

 on rocky hillsides. Rare finds await you 

 perchance beneath a brush heap. The per- 

 pendicular crevices on the right call for tiny 

 rosettes of the English maidenhair (Asplen- 

 ium Trichomanes), and wee plants of the 

 walking leaf (Comptosorus) . Heavy clumps 

 of cliff brake (Pellaea) would spoil the light 

 and airy effect which this particular subject 

 calls for, likewise a crowded base or over- 

 loaded tray would ruin an otherwise artistic 

 creation (Plate 24). 



Almost the only really serviceable moss 

 for indoor winter use, especially for open 

 room culture, is known to botanists as Ano- 

 modon rostratus. It is said to be common, 



