CHAPTER XII, 



CURIOUS FERNS. 



N undertaking an abridged, and consequently a very superficial, 

 description of the plants forming the subject of this chapter ' 

 — devoted exclusively to Curious Ferns, whose appearance 

 is totally different from what a Fern is generally supposed to 

 be, viz., the embodiment of grace and elegance — the Author 

 is particularly desirous of calling the attention of the reader to a class of 

 plants many of which, to the casual observer, would naturally appear to 

 be anything but Ferns. 



It is generally admitted that, besides that particular sense which regulates 

 the love of the beautiful, we are also credited with the possession of a certain 

 feeling, akin to that of admiration, which naturally manifests itself at the sight 

 of anything peculiar ; and although we may, in that respect, be far behind 

 the Japanese, we find, besides collectors of beautiful plants, amateurs who have 

 a predilection for bringing together plants of fantastic shapes and habits. 

 These peculiarities are found in almost all classes of plants ; and Ferns, it will 

 be seen, are certainly no exception to the rule. Though not anywise plentiful, 

 Ferns of this description are, however, found amongst British as well as 

 amongst exotic kinds. 



Crested, depauperated, or otherwise malformed varieties of species originally 

 and naturally elegant, are not intended for admission in this section of truly 

 Curious Ferns, which section may be said to contain two classes of totally 

 distinct plants, equally interesting as curiosities, though vastly different from 

 a decorator's point of view : the one, comprising species eminently graceful 



