THE SPLEENWORTS. 
267 
with the Marine Spleenwort. In the same com- 
pany it is also often found growing luxuriantly in 
dripping sea-caves. 
In the open-air fernery the Lanceolate Spleen- 
wort requires peculiar care. It does not appear to 
habituate itself so readily to artificial conditions of 
existence as the Black Maidenhair ; oftentimes, 
doubtless, the fault may lie with the fern-hunter, 
who perhaps has not used sufficient care in re- 
moving Lci7iceolatimi from its native habitats. It 
often grows so firmly imbedded in rockly clefts 
that its eradication in an uninjured state is a 
matter of difficulty. But when this is properly ac- 
complished, and the plant is secured with its crown 
uninjured, and its fibrous roots entire, careful culti- 
vation will be rewarded by success. If planted in 
the open rockery, or indoors in pots, the soil 
should be composed of silver-sand, leaf-mould, and 
peat, mixed together in about equal proportions ; 
and to this compost should be added some small 
pieces of sandstone. 
Under a covering of glass, however, Lanceolatum 
is thoroughly at home ; for such a method of culti- 
