FERNS AND MOSSES. 89 
elongate, linear mass of thecse, almost immediately after the 
fork ; this mass is at first covered with an elongate, linear, 
white membranous indusium, which, as the thecse swell, 
becomes obliterated ; the black masses likewise become nearly 
confluent in two portions : they, however, rarely unite over 
the mid-rib, though ten or twelve in number. 
This common fern has no pretension to medicinal virtues. 
Withering merely speaks of it as being generally substituted 
for the true Maidenhair in making capillaire a syrup which, 
\vhen perfumed with orange flowers, is considered an agree- 
able beverage. 
Fern collectors must now begin to gather such specimens 
as they desire to possess ; and where is there a fern that 
does not amply repay the trouble of preserving ? Unlike 
flowers, which often become discoloured, or lose their vivid 
tints and graceful forms, these plants dry well, and retain 
the symmetry of their leaves and pinnae ; suggestive, too, 
are they of pleasures yet to come, among green woods and 
lanes, and bringing to remembrance many a country walk, 
when the cuckoo's song was heard, and ferns began to unfold 
in sunny brakes. 
" Let Fate do her worst, these are relics of joy, 
Bright beams of the past which she cannot destroy; 
Oh ! long be our hearts with such memories fill'd, 
Like the vase in which roses have once been distill' d ; 
You may break, you may ruin the vase, if you will, 
But the scent of the roses will hang round it still." 
Such ferns as you wish to preserve should be gathered in 
dry weather, yet not when the pinnae are slightly curled by 
the heat, which is frequently the case, but when the whole 
plant is fully developed. Lay the specimen thus gathered 
between several sheets of blotting-paper, taking care that 
even the finest root or pinnae remains uninjured. Subject 
the whole to a Considerable pressure, and let the fern con- 
tinue unexamined for a few days ; then carefully remove 
