12 
CHOICE BRITISH FERNS. 
under whicli the chances of a find are greatly increased. 
hTorth Devon appears to be thus specially favoured. We are, 
however, rather of opinion that much of this subtle influence, 
may be traced to the residence near the places affected of 
enthusiastic and careful Fern-hunters, who, by subjecting the 
district to more thorough scrutiny, increase thereby greatly 
the list of local discoveries, while other districts less famed in 
this respect are reputed comparatively barren. On the other 
hand, there is no doubt that one may hunt a district for 
miles as carefully as possible without finding any sport what- 
ever, and then suddenly hit upon a spot where eccentricity 
is the rule rather than the exception. 
One of the first experiences of the beginner is the dis- 
covery of what are termed “ rogues,” that is. Ferns which 
are inconstantly and irregularly eccentric, and throw up a 
few forked and even crested fronds amongst a predominance 
of normal ones. Nearly everywhere where the common Male 
Fern {Lastrea Filix-mas) grows in profusion a number of 
these “ rogues ” will be found, raising hopes only to dis- 
appoint them. To such an extent, indeed, does this occur in 
some localities, and so well do these “ rogues ” ape the appear- 
ance of constant varieties, that even the best men are some- 
times deceived. This inconstancy sometimes assumes other 
forms ; and, in fact, the Fern-hunter must always be prepared 
to carry home a good percentage of worthless plants, since it 
is not always possible to discriminate with sufficient certainty 
to reject with safety. 
The common Bracken, too, has a way of imitating nearly 
all the other species, popping forked tips through the hedges, 
and beguiling the passer-by with false expectations. 
All these disappointments and difficulties, however, add 
zest to a day’s walk, and are far more than repaid by the 
thrill of pleasure which accompanies the discovery of an 
undoubtedly good thing, and the first contemplation of a 
form of Nature’s handiwork which now for the first time 
gladdens the eye of man. This point once attained, the 
beginner becomes the enthusiast, and will henceforth pursue 
his researches with a different spirit and with greater gusto. 
