THE TRUE MAIDENHAIR 
223 
In Ireland its habitats have been discovered on the Caliir 
Conree mountain, near Tralee ; near Roundstone, Connemara, 
in the county of Galway; at Lough Bulard, near Urrisbeg; 
on the coast of the county of Clare, between Cremlin Point 
and Ballyvaughan, and in the Isles of Arran. In the Isle of 
Man it has been taken between Douglas and Peel, and also 
in Glen Meay. I 11 Jersey and Guernsey also it has been 
found. There are, probably, many other habitats than 
those which have been given. But they have not been 
discovered because of the inaccessible places in which this 
beautiful Fern frequently grows. Even on accessible but 
little-known cliffs it may be discovered ; and the Fern 
hunter will always find the search for it a delightful and 
healthful occupation. 
Culture. — It is only in very moist, warm, and sheltered 
situations that the True Maidenhair can be induced to grow 
on open rock- work. But under glass, whether in the Fern 
house or case, it will grow luxuriantly. Even in an open 
pot indoors if the atmosphere be cool and equable it will 
grow successfully. The soil should consist of one half light 
peat and sand, and light loam also one half. But inter- 
mixed with the soil there should be some small pieces of 
limestone ; and it will be advantageous to plant the rliizomas 
between blocks of limestone in the pot or case. Under 
glass, in a warm sitting-room the Maidenhair becomes 
thoroughly at home, and will throw up an abundance of 
its beautifully delicate and delightfully green fronds. As it 
has a creeping rootstock it is desirable not to give it too 
great a depth of soil in the pot or case where it is grown. 
Hence the compost should be laid upon a deep substratum of 
drainage consisting of broken pieces of soft brick or stoue, 
broken crocks, and one or two little pieces of charcoal to 
keep the whole sweet. In this way good drainage will be 
secured, a special necessity of this charming Fern. 
