CHAPTER Y. 
FERNS AND AQUARIA. 
N Nature, both animate and inanimate, 
there is oftentimes close association 
even where relationship does not exist ; 
and in no instance is such association more inti- 
mate than it is in the case of animals and plants. 
Birds make their homes amidst the sheltering* 
branches of trees and shrubs ; quadrupeds find 
protection and sustenance in the products of 
the vegetable world ; for insects, food and lodging 
are provided, even in the tiniest sprays of grass ; 
whilst to all animate things Nature’s most abun- 
dant plant- wealth is freely offered. There is, 
too, in the natural world a curious association 
between Ferns and fish ; for Ferns always lovingly 
G 2 
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