THE SPLEENWORTS. 
431 
upon a number of tufts of Asjolenium marinum. 
It was a matter of considerable difficulty to get 
them out intact. The roots were positively im¬ 
bedded in the solid rock; and it was only by dint 
of persevering labour with a chisel that we at 
length succeeded, by chipping away the surround - 
ing rock, in getting out our plants entire. We 
carefully preserved our specimens; and we have 
them now, green and vigorous, in our glass case. 
The Sea Spleenwort will rarely be found to 
grow, it is said, on the open rockery, away 
from the sea, as it needs the sea air. But in 
a glass case it will grow luxuriantly. It should 
be planted between fragments of rock—red sand¬ 
stone if possible—in soil composed of sandy leaf- 
mould and peat. It loves warmth and excessive 
moisture ; and in the house these conditions are 
supplied if,it be kept under a covering of glass. 
We have adopted the plan of devoting a large 
ornamental Fern-pan to our specimens, filling up 
with the necessary soil upon a layer of broken 
flower-pot and charcoal. On the top of the soil 
are large pieces of brick and stone, and between 
these our Ferns are planted. The whole is 
