74 



THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. 



Ferns, or with logs of partly -decayed wood, these subjects have a charming and 

 unique appearance, and when laden with dew-drops they are truly fascinating : 

 these dew-drops are the result of condensed moisture — a condition most 

 essential to the well-being of all Filmy Ferns. 



The requirements of Filmy Ferns as regards heat and light are easily 

 satisfied, and one may almost go as far as to say that no place in the room 

 is too dark for them, although, in order to grow them to perfection a 

 good subdued light, with absolute protection from sunshine, is necessary. 

 Indeed, all they require for growing successfully in the dwelling-house is a 

 close glass case in which a sufficient quantity of moisture can permanently 

 be afforded them, careful watching to keep the sun's rays from them, and a 

 little attention in supplying them with the necessary amount of water at the 

 roots. This last condition is certainly not one giving a very great amount 

 of trouble, as, on account of the close atmosphere in which these interesting 

 Ferns delight, and of the condensation naturally resulting therefrom, the 

 waterings at the roots need not be very frequent. 



Filmy Ferns are found in nearly every part of the globe, but, with the 

 exception of Trichomanes radicans (the Killarney Fern) and of Hymeno- 

 phylium Tunbridgense and H. unilaterale (or, as it is more commonly called, 

 H. Wilsoni), which are indigenous to our own islands, the greater part of 

 them are natives of New Zealand, Tasmania, and Chili, where they are under 

 the influence of a naturally humid climate. Some are found thriving apace 

 all around huge stems of Tree Ferns, while others delight in nothing but 

 decaying vegetable matter. Some of the most beautiful kinds, such as 

 Hymenophyllum abruptum (brevifrons) , H. hirtellum, H. javanicum, Trichomanes 

 alatum, T. crinitum, T. Kraussii, T. maximum (a?iceps), T. spicatum, T. 

 trichoideum, &c, are inhabitants of the East and West Indian Islands, where 

 they are found on the mountains at high elevations, growing in large masses, 

 and forming a green matting over constantly wet rocks. In such a position, 

 a low temperature, shade, and moisture — all agents indispensable to their 

 well-being — are constantly present. Moisture these Ferns must have, as 

 the delicate fronds of many species are so membranous that, if exposed to 

 drought or to the effects of sunlight for even a very short time, they would 

 completely shrivel up : and, as regards heat, its consequences are equally 

 disastrous; for an hour, or even less, of exposure to a dry, heated atmosphere 



