156 
IjASTR.EA filix-mas. 
where it is found to bo particularised ; indeed, the 
difficulty would he to find any wide-extended district 
where it could not be discovered. 
Mr. W. Reeve observes upon this Fern, that it is & 
most desirable plant for furnishing the rockery and 
vacancies and corners in the shrubbery, and other 
similar places. A few hints may not be out of place 
for its culture. It is one of the finest growing of the 
British species, and one that will make a noble object 
when once established. The treatment it requires is 
merely a moderate space for its roots, in a compost of 
sandy loam three parts, with one part of leaf-mould, and 
u free supply of water during its growing season. This 
compost will suit it for either pot culture or for culti¬ 
vating it in the open air. When growing in pots, these 
had better be plunged in some loose substance during 
the winter months. It may be increased very freely 
from seeds, which will be in a perfect state soon after 
Midsummer. Like many other Ferns, this will look 
much nobler when planted out in the spring. If planted 
in mass upon an irregular surface, say from six to eight 
strong plants in a clump, with a few large white flints 
or pieces of rock laid in betweon and about them, 
it will add to the appearance. Although this Fern 
will stand a little sun, yet it flourishes much better in 
the shade. 
Although some medical practitioners have no faith in 
this Fern as a destroyer of worms in the human in¬ 
testines, yet other authorities maintain that it is the 
most powerful medicine wo possess for that purpose, 
