170 THE FERN PARADISE. 
leaflet, the substance of the latter is thickened, 
and the bristle has the appearance of being in- 
serted in a sort of urn. The bristle-like arrange- 
ment has given rise to the name of this fern. 
It will be easily understood, when the delicate, 
pellucid, filmy texture of the fronds of this 
beautiful species is remembered, why it is that 
it cannot exist except in an atmosphere which 
is perpetually charged with moisture. 
The Bristle Fern can only be grown under 
a covering of glass ; but it may thus be culti- 
vated with great success, if due care be taken 
to imitate as nearly as possible the conditions 
which are natural to it. Peat and silver-sand 
and pieces of freestone should compose the 
soil. The plant should be placed between the 
pieces of stone, and the pot or case in which 
it is contained must be kept constantly covered 
with a glass shade or frame, so as to retain 
the utmost possible amount of moisture. Under 
such conditions it will grow luxuriantly ; and it 
is well worthy of care, for it is a plant of great 
rarity and of exquisite delicacy. 
