18 THE PERN PARADISE. 
placed amidst the bustle and grind and worry of 
modern city life; nor does it need the fostering 
care, in despite of which too often our floral 
beauties will pine and die; but in the garret or 
cellar, as in the stately mansion, will flourish and 
look green, refreshing the wearied spirit and 
resting the tired brain, suggesting many a 
thought of woods, green fields, and sweet wild 
flowers, to those whose destiny is rarely, perhaps 
never, to taste the delights of a health-giving 
country ramble .’ 1 The same writer, in noticing 
that one object of the Author of this c Plea ’ for 
Fern-culture is £ to brighten the homes of the 
poor by teaching them that a new source of 
pleasure is within their easy reach,’ remarks 
that,—though the suggestions of the volume 
must probably come to the poor at second-hand, 
through those who take an interest in them,— 
6 with a little teaching, and by the force of 
example, Fern-culture might be a source of 
pleasure.’ But he argues that, c when need 
presses heavily, and the struggle for daily bread 
The Spectator. 
1 
