STUDIES IN FERN LIFE 45 



the temptation to tear up masses of the at- 

 tractive fronds, seeing that these species could 

 never be cultivated in an ordinary garden. 

 Indeed, with all ferns it is a wise rule to re- 

 frain from uprooting unless one has a very 

 good place in which to put the specimens. 

 Even then only very small portions should 

 be secured, and if the species is a real rarity, 

 the genuine student will not feel it a sacri- 

 fice to leave the plant in its natural home, and 

 take a solemn vow not to reveal its hiding- 

 place to anyone. 



