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and ferns by millions, tbe world would soon be 
without both fish and ferns. In the temperate zone 
the proportion which ferns bear to other plants, is 
one to seventy : in all England it is one to thirty- 
five. England produces only one fortieth part of 
the ferns found in the whole world. The number 
of species in England is from forty to fifty, to which 
may be added the numerous varieties. 
Uses. — The Asplenium Trichomanes still holds a 
reputation for medicinal virtues. This plant, to- 
gether with four others, — the Hart’s Tongue, the 
Golden Maidenhair, the Wall-Rue, and Common 
Spleenwort, — were termed the Five Capillary Herbs , 
and were held in great estimation. The country 
people near Sidmouth say, that tea made of it — by 
which they mean a decoction — is good for coughs 
and complaints of the chest. The old writers re- 
commended it in obstructions of the bowels. As a 
drink, a syrup made of the leaves with water forms 
a pleasant draught. 
Where found. — There is little or none nearer 
to Sidmouth than a mile and a half, and only two 
or three roots at that distance. At two miles off it 
is abundant. Take a walk, for instance, out on the 
Exeter road. Pass through Stowford Gate. Take 
the first lane on the right, (Saltway Lane) about a 
quarter of a mile beyond the Gate. There is plenty 
in the left-hand hedge about 150 yards up. Also 
in the lanes above, close under Beacon Hill. Also 
in the long lane on the south side of Core Hill. 
Culture. — T ake it up with a ball of earth. As 
it stands the winters, it has always a fresh and pretty 
appearance. 
