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 fo-r open 

 room culture, is known to botanists as Ano- 

 modon rostratus. It is said to be common, 



