4 8 
THE FERN WORLD 
them the wild grace which is their peculiar charm, and the 
same freshness and beauty which they exhibited in mountain 
glen, in greenwood shade, or on river’s bank has naturally 
served to create in the public mind a passion for their culti- 
vation. They serve, in fact, to link the town and the town 
dwelling with the most charming associations of the country. 
And few, if any, wild plants so readily adapt themselves to 
a town life, and to indoor culture as Ferns. 
This fact it is which has undoubtedly increased the popu- 
larity of these plants and made their culture not merely a 
fascinating pursuit but, as we have said, a passion. And 
here we would say that it is a principal object with us to 
strengthen this charming link which binds the country to 
the town. The successful culture of Ferns must depend 
upon a close study of Nature : and the closer the study of 
Nature, in this one of its most charming and fascinating 
departments, the greater the success which will be obtained. 
And the process will in every way be beneficial. The mind 
will be enlightened and brought into a closer relationship to 
and contemplation of the wonders of Creation. It will in 
consequence be elevated and purified ; whilst the physical 
health will be improved through the necessity which the 
study will create for constant communication with the Fern 
world. 
It is a fortunate circumstance that the cultivation ol 
Ferns is a pursuit which admits of being universally followed ; 
and this fact has undoubtedly largely tended to increase its 
popularity. It may indeed be followed not merely by the 
rich and by the middle classes, but by the very poorest, and 
it is scarcely possible to conceive of any circumstances which 
would from their nature preclude the possibility of enjoying 
this delightful pastime in some way, even if it be only to a 
limited extent. The darkest corners of a garden or house 
can be made available for the growth of most of the species 
