272 
THE EEEN PAEADISE. 
found growing on open hedge-banks; but these 
are not its favourite or its natural habitats ; and 
when by chance it may be growing there, it will 
be found to have lost half of its natural grace and 
delicacy. In the deepest shade of the wood, on 
moss-covered soil, through which pure water 
unceasingly percolates, causing heavy moisture to 
pervade the air ; or at the foot of a shady bank, 
over which trickles a tiny stream from the level 
above it; or perchance perched in the dark cleft 
formed by the overhanging rock of a waterfall, 
will you find the Lady Fern developed to its finest 
proportions, and assuming its most graceful and 
beautiful aspect. 
A charming occupant for your c Fern paradise ’ 
is the Lady Fern: Whether in the house or the 
garden it matters not,—it will thrive well. But 
remember that it lives upon shade and moisture. 
These are its food and drink; and without them 
it will shrink and die. If in the garden, place it 
in the shadiest corner of your rockery, and when 
there you can never give it too much water. But 
give it full freedom. Place it where it can 
have ample space to unroll and spread out its 
