FERN GROWING i8i 



seedlings are only now showing their true characters, and it 

 is gratifying to know that Mrs. Cowburn has continued the 

 cultivation of her husband's collection, and is taking intense 

 interest in their welfare. Only last week the author received 

 from her fronds of a seedling Lady Fern that is a distinct 

 lax form of setigerum, and this was from spores that Major 

 Cowburn had sown. 



At Mr. E. F. Fox's death the Brislington collection was 

 sold, and some of the choicest varieties were purchased for 

 Dennel Hill. 



Major Cowburn found those beautiful crisp Hart's-tongues 

 now known as Cowburni on one of his own walls at Dennel 

 Hill ; it is to him also that we are indebted for the intro- 

 duction of Mrs. Boyle's Nephrodium paleaceum var. crispulum, 

 as well as for other important finds. The author received 

 valuable aid from Major Cowburn in many ways, especially 

 in hints as to what should be tested as exhaustive experiments, 

 and the author always looked forward with pleasure to his 

 visits, and he knew this was reciprocated. 



Major Cowburn took great interest in the Fern Con- 

 ference, and accompanied the author to give assistance. He 

 also took a leading part, in conjunction with other lovers of 

 Ferns, in the 1892 Fern Show of the Royal Horticultural 

 Society ; but he had died before the Show took place, and his 

 loss was deeply deplored. He was a kind and cheerful com- 

 panion, a wise magistrate, and took great interest in the welfare 

 of his less fortunate neighbours ; a true and hospitable friend, 

 and a good man. 



