106 HARDY FERNS. 
grows well; throwing up a compact cluster of 
rather pale green fronds. I plant it in a pot half 
full of drainage, and leave a few bits of broken 
flower-pot amongst the soil in which I plant it. I 
venture one plant out in the summer, as I like to 
see at a glance all my specimens gathered toge- 
ther. A well-stocked Fernery, and Moore's Hand- 
hook, will teach a beginner in a couple of lessons 
more than a month's study of all the learned books 
on Ferns published. The biography of a good man 
is a pleasant thing to read, but to see that man 
face to face, and to know him personally is far 
better. After this acquaintance by sight, the 
study of little peculiarities, aided by magnifying 
glasses and by the experience of others, is made 
doubly interesting. 
