FERN GROWING 155 



Torbay, DawUsh, and Westward Ho, but the finds have been 

 disappointing. The coast - line between Scarborough and 

 Whitby was a greater success years ago ; but Killin, Ben Lawers, 

 Ambleside, Dunkeld, Arbroath, and between Loch Katrine 

 and the Bridge of Allan have been the author's experiences of 

 really good districts for Fern varieties, and about the Falcon 

 Glints in Teesdale, Weardale, and Wensleydale, near Stonyhurst, 

 and Chaigeley Manor, Lancashire, all used to be prolific hunt- 

 ing-grounds. A second visit along the Yorkshire coast and 

 in Teesdale was disappointing. It must be remembered that 

 such researches are now less successful, owing to the number 

 of fine varieties that have already been discovered. Take as 

 example the fork-headed and capitate Scolopendriums, where 

 in the neighbourhood of Dawlish and Westward Ho there 

 used to be so many ; if now equally abundant, it would be 

 impossible to find varieties that would in any degree approach 

 what have been already found or raised. And it must also 

 be remembered that, having now so many very distinct ex- 

 treme forms, plants raised from them (two or more varieties 

 crossed together) give a far greater chance of splendid 

 results than months of diligent exploration in wild districts. 

 One of our most active explorers, who has hunted for Fern 

 varieties for many years, Mr. James Moly of Langmoor, near 

 Charmouth, says that the author has raised many forms that 

 he has been hunting for in vain, and that he consoles himself 

 with the knowledge that some of these could not have been 

 raised had he not found the varieties from which they have 

 sprung. It must not be forgotten that the surroundings of 

 many of these wild localities are so beautiful that an 

 enjoyment exists apart from what may be discovered. To 

 those who admire nature, and especially those living in 

 large towns, these changes not only contribute to health, 

 but distract attention, in a pleasurable manner, from those 

 business turmoils that are a constant strain upon the brain. 



