268 
THE FERN PARADISE. 
where clustering foliage shuts out the sun and 
keeps in the moisture ; damp hedge-sides, where 
perchance a perpetual trickle is produced by per¬ 
colating water; and the moist and dripping sides 
of wells. In such places its shining fronds grow 
to their finest dimensions. In the damp and 
shady clefts of rocks, too, the Hartstongue loves 
to grow. Clothing cavern walls and dropping 
from cavern roofs, it may also be found in great 
abundance. Oftentimes splendid specimens of 
this simple and beautiful Fern maybe seen on the 
moist sides of parapet-walls, that overhang some 
brook or river; and in such situations it bends its 
green and shining tops downwards, until they kiss 
the sparkling, eddying current below them. There 
they revel in the spray and vapour which sur¬ 
round them, waving their lovely tufts in the wind. 
The Hartstongue becomes a delightful occupant 
of the cool rockery in your ‘ Fern paradise.’ Give 
it the coolest and shadiest nooks, sandy loam, 
leaf-mould, and peat, and abundance of water, 
and it will well reward the care bestowed upon it; 
for its greenness and freshness will always make 
your heart glad. 
