58 
THE FERN WORLD 
Iii tliis, however, as in other matters, Nature furnishes the 
best model for imitation. Water must be supplied to Ferns 
in a fine spray from hose or watering-pot — in such a way as 
to imitate natural rain as nearly as possible — at all seasons 
of the year when there is an absence of rain, and more 
especially when there is a prevalence of drying winds ; for 
drying winds acting upon the delicate and moisture-loving 
texture of these beautiful plants will always — if their 
influence be not counteracted by artificial watering — most 
prejudicially affect their vitality and growth. 
