THE SPLEEN WORTS. 
company it is also often found growing luxu- 
riantly 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 Lanceolatum from its native habitats. It 
often grows so firmly imbedded in rocky clefts 
that its eradication in an uninjured state is a 
matter of difficulty. But when this is properly 
accomplished, and the plant is secured with its 
crown uninjured, and its fibrous rootlets entire, 
careful cultivation will be rewarded by success. 
If planted in the open rockery, or indoors in pots, 
the soil should be composed of silver-sand, or 
light sandy loam and leaf-mould, 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 cul- 
tivation appears more nearly to supply the natural 
conditions under which this beautiful Fern grows 
379 
