u8 



L. dilatata in a close preserve bristling with threats of pro- 

 secution of Fern robbers. Here, however, the Fern itself 

 saved the situation by bearing ripe spores, and thus, 

 though left practically intact, eventually decked our 

 fernery with true progeny. 



However, we have now said enough, we think, to show 

 that Fern hunting is not without its adventures as well as 

 its rewards, and with the final remark that the occurrence 

 of varieties is too wayward and capricious to permit as yet 

 any definite information to be given as regards the likeliest 

 places, we will simply conclude by recommending our 

 readers to try their hand the first opportunity, and express- 

 ing the hope that success may inoculate them with that 

 lasting and incurable disease known as the " Fern fever." 

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



A DELIGHTFUL HOUR. 



A brilliant sunshiny morning at the latter end of May, 

 with a fresh cool wind after a heavy dew, and the air laden 

 with the odour of the lilacs just at their best and a strong 

 whiff every now and again of the delicate scent of the 

 hawthorns, constitute in itself a perfect enjoyment and 

 an irresistible temptation to a stroll round the garden to 

 see how the Ferns are progressing. Charming, however, 

 as are the conditions, it is as yet too early in the season 

 for the Ferns in the open to evoke the enthusiasm inspired 

 by the more previous ones installed in yonder temple in 

 the shape of a spacious greenhouse, and hence after a 

 little gloating over the promise afforded by the rapidly 

 uncoiling fronds outside, we reverently open the door 

 of the temple aforesaid and enter therein for a revel in 

 revelations so to speak. Naturally the first thing that 

 we do is to take stock of those Ferns in which we are 



