206 XV TRICHOMAXES. 
iridescent rain-drops. At the base of the rock and extend- 
ing to the margins of the central brook, the two species of 
Hymenophyllum, with Blt-chnum boreale, Lattrea Tlic- 
lypteris, and the lovely Lady Fern would luxuriate ; 
whilst on the borders of the little brook or in the centre 
of the water, the royal Osmunda would raise itself to the 
height of ten or twelve feet, as if conscious of its sove- 
reignty, and worthy of the admiration elicited from Sir 
Walter Scott when visiting the Lakes of Killarney. One 
or two chalk or sand-stone caves might be lined internally 
with the Asplenium marinum, its massive dark green and 
glossy leaves beautifully contrasting with the light and 
elegant foliage of the Maidenhair growing on the top. In 
the more elevated portions, and fully exposed to light, 
Allosorus crispus, Cystopteris fraiiilis and the other 
species and varieties would thrive (with the exception of 
the rare Cystopteris montana which should be planted 
in reach of the spray) ; as would Asplenium septentrio- 
nale and the Woodsiax ; whilst every chink and crevice 
might be occupied with Potypodium Dryopteris, P. cal- 
careum, P. Phegopteris, Asplenium Trichomanes, A. 
Adiantum-nigruw, A. lanceolatnm, &c. Such a house 
might be made very useful in determining those varieties 
of ferns which depend upon varying climatal differences, 
and in limiting the multiplication of species, which now 
appears to be increasing rather too rapidly. A great 
number of the more beautiful or rare British flowering 
plants might be intermixed with the fems, and 
would add greatly to the effect of the whole, taking 
especial care that each should have the amount of 
light and moisture which it obtains in its natural 
state. So much for British ferns and plants; but 
the time will most assuredly come when those citi- 
zens of London who now recreate and refresh thoir 
souls with such a house as is above described, will 
raise their desires to the possession of equally beautiful, 
but much more noble and majestic forms; I mean, 
particularly, those of the Tree ferns." 
