416 
THE FERN PARADISE. 
favoured by a ricli soil of leaf-mould which may 
have collected in the crevices formed by the 
loosely arranged stones, and when sheltered by 
overhanging bushes, that it attains its most luxu¬ 
riant growth. We have often found it growing 
on the soft soil of the hedge-bank. But as it is 
an essentially rock-loving Fern, it loves best to 
stow on such hedge-banks as we have described. 
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum is a beautiful Fern 
for the rockery, but must be planted in a shady, 
sheltered corner amongst stones, in a soil composed 
of rich sandy loam and leaf-mould. It will grow 
readily in pots, but must be planted amongst the 
stones in which it delights. 
