FEKXS 
MOSSES. 
39 
ays previously their graceful tufts looked green and cheer- 
ful in the fitful gleams of a waning sun. 
We have mentioned the favourite localities of the True 
Maidenhair ; among these the south isles of Arran afford 
ome of the finest specimens ; and so abundantly grows this 
most beautiful of our native species in their mild and humj 
atmosphere, that the natives use a decoction of the fron s 
instead of tea. They know not how eagerly fern collectors 
BLECHNTTM SPIC.VXT. 
often adventure life and limb, scrambling up dripping rocks, 
or exploring some lone sea-cave, in quest of the fern which, 
they scarcely heed ; or with what delight the possessor of a 
portable glass-house, when placing it in a staircase window, 
or on some table in a favourite room, deposits vithin it a 
