280 
THE FERN PARADISE. 
reality, however, the fructification of the Osruunda 
looks like what it is—a cluster of ripened seed- 
cases, and it hears hut a slight resemblance to 
a flower. 
In hogland as well as in woodlands and along 
the streams of moorlands the Royal Fern finds its 
habitats. The largest specimens have enormous 
roots, and the Fern-hunter will have to labour 
hard to get them up. But it is a labour of love, 
and one not to be delegated to others. After 
carefully digging up in the woods and trans¬ 
planting in your Fern garden a noble specimen, 
there is an immense satisfaction in remembering, 
when you see it unroll its fronds in its new home, 
that you yourself gathered it. Every time you 
look at it the sight brings back the delightful 
association of the wild woods and the grand 
moorland scenery, amongst which you may have 
wandered in your Fern-hunting rambles. 
Pleasing indeed, almost beyond expression, are 
the scenes which we recall to mind in connexion 
with the stately Osmunda: scenes of sylvan 
beauty of a rare and unusual kind. We will 
instance one of these, and the relation may, 
