FILMY FERNS 45 



with the spreading rhizomes should be planted where 

 they can spread over moist sandstones or other material 

 that the roots can cling to. They require but very little 

 depth of soil. 



The Hymenophyllums, which include the Tunbridge 

 Wells Fern (H. tunbridgense) was formerly more 

 plentiful in the neighbourhood of Tunbridge Wells 

 and also in other parts of England, but is rarely 

 found in a wild state, except in Ireland. There are 

 a good many species, and most of which are nearly if 

 not quite hardy. Nearly all have spreading rhizomes 

 and very fine thread-like roots, which do not penetrate 

 far, and only require a shallow depth of loose decayed 

 leaves, peat, and moss to root into. Although loving 

 moisture, good drainage should be given, and some 

 charcoal may be used. They are particularly suited 

 for spreading over the stones of the rock Fernery, but 

 some soil, chiefly leaf mould and moss, should be used 

 in the crevices. 



