88 FERNS . 



tion for two years. A few weeks only of 

 this time were spent in the cellar for enforced 

 rest. The strength of texture may be realized 

 when it is seen flourishing on the rocks in 

 April while the snow was yet deep about the 

 plants. There is but little change in colour 

 of the fronds, even after a severe winter. 



A FERN THAT WITHSTANDS THE RADIATOR 

 HEAT 



Strange as it may seem,the purple cliff brake 

 (Pellcea atro purpurea), which often hangs from 

 an almost invisible seam on the face of a per- 

 pendicular cliff, subjected to intense heat in 

 summer and all the bitterness of a bleak New 

 England winter, is a first-class fern for indoor 

 winter culture. It is a rapid grower, flourish- 

 ing but a few feet from coal lire or radiator, 

 in a north or south window. It quickly for- 

 gives neglect, and, if allowed to dry up out of 

 doors or indoors, recovers in due time when 

 put in a moist atmosphere. It makes but 

 one imperative demand, and that is the 



