Ferns and Fern Culture. 13 
They spread about, creeping into crannies and chinks, 
their peculiarly-pointed tips inserting themselves in the 
interstices of the soil, rocks, bark of trees, or wherever 
they may be growing. By means of numerous fine, hair- 
TREE FERN. 
(Showing elongated upright caudex.) 
like organs with mouths they take up moisture and 
other elements within their reach which are suitable 
food for them. The crude matter thus taken up passes 
