FERNS AND FERNERIES. 
ABOUT forty years ago Ferns first began to attract 
popular attention. Previous to this, though botanically 
studied, ferns were not generally grown, except in green 
or hot houses for the use of the special few. 
In the International Exhibition of 1851 ferns for 
ornamental purposes were widely used, even more so 
than plants of gorgeous hue; from that time we may 
date their more extended popularity. This popularity 
has extended more from the delicate beauty of the 
forms than from colour. With a few exceptions their 
natural colour is less brilliant than grasses, shrubs, and 
flowering plants. 
Most people can certainly recognise the Brake Fern 
(Pteris aquilina ), commonly called the “ Bracken,” 
especially in the early autumnal months; some, too, 
will probably call the Male Fern (.Lastrea filix-mas ), 
