FERN CULTURE. 
INTRODUCTION. 
Fascinating as the study of Ferns undoubtedly is when 
pursued in the wild habitats of these beautiful plants, it 
possesses an additional attraction from the circumstance that 
it can be followed in our homes. Fern culture, indeed, in 
our houses and in our gardens is not merely a popular 
pursuit. It has become a popular passion, which has been 
increasing in intensity during many years past. The reason 
for this is not far to seek. We all know — those of us at 
least who are lovers of Nature — how delightedly, nay long- 
ingly the eye lingers on the wild beauties of the rocky glen, 
or bounding moorland where ferny forms wave gracefully 
in the moorland breeze. Other scenes of Nature no doubt 
have their charms for us. A great expanse of spreading- 
woods viewed from a mountain top ; rolling waves of purple 
heather or clustered mounds of golden gorse ; a wide 
expanse of meadow-land, starred by myriad daisy blooms or 
swathed in the deep rich golden hue of countless buttercups ; 
the Ocean with its great and ever-changing mass of waters ; 
or the wide arching sky which canopies both land and sea — 
all move the soul with sentiments of wonder and delight. 
But such enjoyments in their full perfection are inseparably 
connected with the country. 
The knowledge that Ferns, on the contrary, can be trans- 
ported to our home and town surroundings, bringing with 
