INTRODUCTORY. 
almost solely to the description of the native 
haunts of each of his favourites, with practical 
hints how to transport them to garden, house- 
window, or rockery, under such conditions that 
they may flourish as an embellishment of home 
and a reminiscence of pleasant outings.’ The 
same genial writer adds that 4 Ferns, like most 
things in Nature, are sensitive to thoughtful 
tenderness, and repay that consideration which 
consists, not in expensive outlay, but rather in 
loving study of a plant’s likings and dislikings ; 
and, as the latter only involves observation, it is 
obviously within the power of any one who will 
bring home his treasures in a good-sized clump of 
earth, sufficient to embed the unhurt roots, with 
root-stock, crown, and fronds standing out from 
it, to freshen and beautify his home in town with 
souvenirs of agreeable wanderings afield.’ Cer- 
tainly one of the most important of the objects 
sought to be attained by the publication of 
this 4 Plea for the culture of Ferns ’ is the 
bringing into the dreariest corners of cities 
and towns some at least — if but a little — of 
the 4 green life ’ of the country. 4 There is no 
37 
