142 The Fern Garden. 



whorls of branches, which differ from those of sylvaticum, 

 that they do not branch again. This grows on dry 

 sandy banks, and is tolerably common, especially in the 

 southern parts of England. It grows finely in the 

 rockery if planted in a shady spot, and though found 

 wild in very dry positions, I have never found it suc- 

 ceed except in a damp position, unless assisted with 

 frequent watering. Sandy peat is the best soil for it. 



Another and most beautiful species is E. umbrosum. 

 This is very distinct and very rare. The whorls of 

 branches are rather crowded, and they all rise at a 

 regular angle, and gracefully arch over at their ends. 

 This grows in very shady places, and requires the same 

 kind of cultivation. 



Equisetum palustre is another exquisitely beautiful 

 plant. By many this will be considered more beauti- 

 ful than sylvaticum, for the slender branches divide 

 and subdivide into the most hair-like ramifications ; 

 indeed, it looks as if constructed of hair, but . in a 

 manner that would be impossible to human fingers even 

 if only in imitation of its beauty. This grows in bogs, 

 and therefore when under cultivation must have a damp 

 position and plenty of water. 



I have also plants of E. fluviatile, which grows in 

 water; E. hyemale, also a water plant; E. Mackaii, 

 which loves moisture, and E. variegatum, which will 

 grow well under almost any circumstances. But these 

 four have no beauty. They are like rushes, tall, 

 rigid, without branches, very pretty in a certain sense 

 in their construction, but are likely to interest only 

 such as are devoted to the study of these plants. 



