CHAPTER II. 
FERN COLLECTING. 
Pleasant visions at once rise before the mind’s eye ; visions 
of rambles among rocks on the sea-girt shore ; through wind- 
ing mazes of green lanes ; through ferny hollows ; up ferny 
hills ; over moorland and meadow ; by the daisied margins of 
gurgling brooks ; by the rocky borders of a mountain stream ; 
into the deepest shade of spreading woods. 
But here we purpose not to recapitulate the fresh delights 
of Fern collecting, but to give the collector such needful 
suggestions, and offer such careful guidauce as may be of 
service in the practical pursuit of one of the most delightful 
of occupations. 
With opportunities, either great or small, for seeking 
Ferns in their native wilds, how and when can they best be 
removed from the places in which they grow to the garden 
of the cultivator? These are points with regard to which 
practical suggestions will be serviceable. And first of all as 
to the season for transplanting Ferns. The winter season 
during the prevalence of mild weather is unquestionably the 
most suitable time for removing them. The next best time is 
the early spring, just as the new fronds are about to com- 
mence their growth. But those who are not experienced 
collectors might at such seasons often find a difficulty in 
recognizing some species, because of the fact that the parts 
which afford the most easy means of recognition — the 
fronds — are dead. The evergreen species mostly retain their 
