100 
THE FERN WORLD 
It is especially in the removal of the rock-loving Ferns, 
that the greatest violence is usually done to the plants. 
Most of the rock-growing species have very abundant, wiry, 
fibrous rootlets, which penetrate in a very remarkable way the 
stony interstices in the neighbourhood of the rootstock. It 
is often made a subject of complaint by Fern collectors, 
that the rock-growing species are more difficult than any 
others to establish under cultivation. But the difficulty 
arises chiefly from the circumstance which has already been 
alluded to. No doubt it is often a matter of difficulty to 
uproot the rock-loving Ferns, and it is for this work that a 
hammer and chisel are necessary, so that by the careful 
undermining and removal of the adjacent portions of rock, 
the crown, rootstock, and rootlets of the specimen desired 
may be got out unharmed. A little practice, however, if it 
be joined to a careful and loving study of the plant’s 
peculiarities, will soon give the mastery in this kind of work. 
Where, by the careful process recommended, Ferns are got 
out from their places of growth, damp moss or other moist 
material should be wrapped securely round their rootstocks 
and rootlets. In this way they can be conveniently carried 
to a considerable distance without any covering to the fronds, 
although if the air be very hot, dry, and sultry, the fronds, if 
intended to remain on the plant, must — especially those of 
the most fragile or herbaceous kinds — be kept under shelter, 
as they would be if put into a covered basket or other con- 
venient, covered receptacle. In removing the larger kinds of 
Ferns, however, during the summer, it may often be found 
convenient — especially where room for putting the specimens 
has to be economized — to cut off all, or at least the largest of 
the fronds, and to wrap in moss, or keep covered merely the 
rootstocks and rootlets. When planted in the garden or other 
place of cultivation, new fronds, as we have already said, 
will, if under favourable conditions, speedily be thrown up to 
