318 WOONWOET. 



CttltttW. 



This is the most easy of all ferns to cultivate, never refusing 

 to grow freely if proiDerly treated. First, dig up a large sod, 

 where a few mature fronds are conspicuous amongst the grass ; 

 take care to have it broad enough and deep enough, so that not 

 one of the roots of the Botrychium is exposed, much less 

 injured : fit this sod in a large pot, a feeder, or even a box ; 

 place it in the open air, and be sure to add no compost, or rich 

 vegetable soil. Keep the grass cut short with a pair of scis- 

 sors, and water in dry weather, for the purpose of keeping the 

 grass green and vigorous. Acting on the belief that Botry- 

 chium is a root-parasite, the only requisite is to keep the nurse- 

 plant in vigorous health. 



It is rather amusing than instructive to read of the virtues 

 ascribed by Dioscorides, and other ancient writers, to nearly 

 the whole family of ferns. Of the present species much has 

 been written, and the most wonderful magical properties have 

 been assigned to it. This we may trace, in a great measure, to 

 the singular form of the pinnte : all those plants whose leaves 

 bore even a fancied resemblance to the moon — and the name 

 clearly implies that this was the case in the present instance — 

 were formerly regarded with a most superstitious veneration. 

 From all record we find that they were to be gathered by the 

 light of the full moon, or half their powers would be lost. In 

 the present day, such fancies are entirely confined to poesy. 



" Then rapidly, with foot as hght 

 As the young musk roe's, out she flew. 

 To cull each shining leaf that grew 

 Beneath the moonlight's hallowing beams.'' 



And again : — 



" The first leet night quhan the new moon set, 

 Quhan all was douffe and mirk. 

 We saddled our naigis tvi the moon fern leif 

 And rode fra Kilmenin kirk." 



