THE FLOEAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
225 
FERN COLLECTING, 
AND THE FORMATION OF AN OUT-DOOR FERNERY. 
RNS are so widely distributed that, wherever a rural 
walk is possible, it is almost certain somewhere in the 
district ferns may he found. The south-western counties 
of England constitute the home paradise of the fern 
collector ; but, as we must find our happiness where 
our lot is cast, it is better to make the most of the ferns within our 
reach, than to repine if Cornwall and Devon happen to be terra 
incognita. In the neighbourhood of London are many localities 
rich in ferns, but, as these are for the most part pretty well known, 
we shall not enumerate them, but proceed at once to make some 
remarks on collecting ferns for cultivation. It is only during the 
height of summer that the deciduous kinds can be readily found by 
inexperienced collectors, and it is at that season that fern hunting 
proves a particularly agreeable pastime. It would be better always 
if the ferns could be removed from their native sites when first 
about to commence their new growth in the spring, and this can be 
done sometimes by searching in woods and hedgerows for old fronds, 
and tracing them to their source. The roots should then be taken 
up without injury to the crowns, and be at once planted or potted 
as required, and assisted with shade and shelter until established in 
the places assigned them in the garden. Experienced collectors 
may hunt for ferns during the winter to great advantage, in districts 
where they are known to abound, as, in the event of a mild season, 
many of the deciduous kinds will be still green ; and evergreen 
kinds, such as harts-tongue and common polypody, may be better 
lifted in winter than at any other season. But, as a rule, fern 
hunting is a recreation for summer time, and any fern may be taken 
up in the height of summer and be kept with the utmost certainty 
for cultivation. The worst that is likely to happen is the loss of all 
the fronds they carry at the time of taking up ; but a new crop will 
soon succeed them if proper care be taken. The fern collector 
should be provided with aids and implements adapted to the country 
in which he is about to make explorations. Where only terrestrial 
and hedgerow kinds are expected to be found, a large basket — or, 
better, a pair of baskets of moderate size, such as can be carried one 
in each hand — will be necessary. They should have close-fitting 
lids, because if ferns are taken up on a hot day, and exposed for 
some hours to the atmosphere, the crowns and roots will be so much 
exhausted that some may die, and all will be injured, whereas, by 
packing them close, with a little moist moss amongst them, the 
roots and crowns will be kept tolerably fresh until they can be 
potted or planted out. A short-handled three-pronged fork and a 
trowel, and a strong clasp knife will be needful; and in some 
instances it will be necessary to borrow a spade or digging-fork 
near the spot where operations are to take place ; for fine old 
roots of royal osmund, and other large-growing ferns, will defy the 
August. 15 
