93 



The whole of the ferns named could be well accommo- 

 dated in a fair-sized north window, or on a stand in cold con- 

 servatory. With the few exceptions noted, they are tough 

 and strong in growth, and therefore are best in a well- 

 lighted position with plenty of air. A frame under a north 

 wall would also suit them, and even a sheltered rockery 

 with a northern exposure; but, owing to their small size 

 and minute prettiness, they are best accommodated where 

 their charm is most seen, i.e. in a position near the eye. 

 They are too good to consider as mere stopgaps for an 

 out-of-the-way corner. 



Chas. T. Druery, F.L.S., V.M.I I. 



FERN HUNTING. 



In view of the immense number of varietal forms which 

 our British species have assumed, and the fact that a very 

 large proportion, numbering among them many of the finest, 

 have originated in a wild state and been found by persons 

 who have devoted their leisure to close inspection of the 

 Ferns they have come across, or in rarer cases, altogether 

 accidently, we may well devote a short chapter to the con- 

 sideration of this singular capacity for variation and the 

 circumstances under which such sports are found. Judg- 

 ing by the results of Fern hunting in the British Isles as 

 contrasted with the relative paucity of foreign finds, it 

 would primd facie appear that there must be a special some- 

 thing in the soil, climate, or general environment which 

 leads to greater sportiveness, but as against this theory it 

 must be borne in mind that in no other country has there 

 sprung up a special taste for variety hunting, which, as 

 here, has led to a considerable number of both sexes 

 assiduously searching for new ones after having been 

 inspired by distinct finds with that faith which is the best 

 encouragement to perseverance. On the average many 



