CHAPTER VII. 
A FERN PARADISE AT HOME. 
TT 7E have offered the preceding very simple 
definitions of the distinctive characteristics 
of ferns, merely as some kind of guide to those 
who are totally unable to distinguish a fern 
from another plant. But if at first there be 
any difficulty in making this distinction, it will be 
short-lived. About ferns, whether small or large, 
whether just starting into life or developed into 
their grandest proportions, there is an almost 
indescribable aspect of majesty and grace. We 
have often wandered for miles through ferny lanes, 
with no eye for any plant but ferns. They have 
seemed to speak to us, and they have invited and 
engrossed our attention. We have said, and we 
repeat, that the study of ferns has become on the 
part of thousands a passion. We know of no 
