CHAPTER V. 
FERNS AND AQUARIA. 
N Nature, both animate and inanimate, 
there is oftentimes' close association 
even where relationship does not exist; 
and in no instance is such association more inti¬ 
mate than it is in the case of animals and plants. 
Birds make their homes amidst the sheltering 
branches of trees and shrubs; quadrupeds find 
protection and sustenance in the products of 
the vegetable world; for insects, food and lodging 
are provided, even in the tiniest sprays of grass; 
whilst to all animate things Nature’s most abun¬ 
dant plant-wealth is freely offered. There is, 
too, in the natural world a curious association 
between Ferns and fish ; for Ferns always lovingly 
