THE MALE l'EKN 
313 
to give a list of localities. There are very few parts of the 
country from which a short walk will not bring the Fern 
hunter upon some specimens of Lastrea filix-mas. 
Culture. — No Fern is more admirably adapted for culture 
of every kind than this species. In the Fern house, or in 
pots, it can be grown with the greatest success. It is 
thoroughly at home in the open rockery of the Fern garden, 
and adds a robust grace to its surroundings. It is so hardy 
that its fronds will withstand moderate frosts, if it be grow- 
ing in a moderately sheltered position. It should be firmly 
planted in the soil — which should consist of rich sandy loam, 
peat, and leaf-monld in equal proportions — with its crown 
well above the surface. If undisturbed for several years it 
will become developed into a fine plant. Though it can 
bear exposure on the sunnier and drier parts of a rockery, 
it succeeds best and attains the finest proportions in deep 
shade, and under the influence of abundant moisture. 
