POLYSTICHUM LONCIilTIS. 31 
preserving a compact vase-like form. During 
the extreme heat of summer, after water- 
ing the Ferns, I made a practice of pouring a 
little water into the cup of the plant, thinking 
to encourage the new fronds. After some time 
I observed a little frond quite perfect, yet very 
small, spread itself like a guard over the nest 
of young fronds. I gave up my system of en- 
couragement, and, instead, threw a little cocoa- 
nut refuse into the centre of the cup as a protec- 
tion ; and this has answered beautifully, and the 
plant has thirty fronds on it of this year's growth, 
but the long-continued drought has caused these 
to be less fine than usual. 
In the wooded dells at the foot of Ben Nevis 
I found the Pyrola, whose pretty bell-like blossoms 
of white with a rosy flush were as fragrant as 
lilies of the valley. I brought several plants away, 
but failed to make them grow. 
My next hunting ground was Oban and its 
neighbourhood; and here I had great success 
with Cystopteris fragilis, which abounds in many 
