THE FERN PARADISE. 
in Fern lore. A tufted root-stock, its crown 
elevated slightly above the ground level. Beneath, 
long fibrous roots, finding their way into the 
soil, or — -when growing in rocky places, or amidst 
old ruins — into the moist interstices between the 
stones or masonry. Above, from the crown, tufts 
of delightful, green, leathery-textured fronds, 
erect and bold in habit when growing in exposed 
situations ; gracefully drooping when in the dark, 
damp recesses of a shady retreat. In length from 
an inch to a yard, sometimes even more, according 
to circumstances and surroundings. A stem 
usually one- third the length of the entire frond — 
stem and leafy portion included. From the point 
of the stem commences the leafy section of the 
frond, which is hollowed at its lower part, heart- 
fashion ; so that from the point where the stem 
{stijpes) ends and the midrib of the leafy portion 
of the frond begins, tbe latter hangs down on 
each side in the manner of two little ears. The 
frond proper is tongue-shaped — hence doubtless 
its name — and tapers in its upper portion to a 
point ; and from this point, through the centre of 
the frond, is carried a thick midrib, on each side 
240 
