
THE MOUNTAIN PARSLEY FERN. 105 
state it covers large patches on the sides of rocky mountains, and, 
as well observed by Mr. Francis, in his book on British Ferns, 
adds a bright gleam of verdure and of beauty to its romantic but 
barren dwelling-place ; nor does it refuse to give out its ray of cheer- 
fulness and loveliness when transferred to the artificial rockery 
or Fern-house. On the contrary, in free well-drained soil, and in a 
cold shady frame, it grows remarkably well, but it is essential that 
it should be guarded against damp whilst dormant in winter: 
indeed, at no time should moisture become stagnant about it. The 
proper soil for the roots consists of turfy peat, freely intermixed 
with silver sand and with pieces of broken bricks or potsherds, 
and more sparingly with sandy loam. It is a stone-loving plant, 
and hence is well suited for artificial rockeries. It may be increased 
by division, but it is safer not too often to disturb a thriving plant . 
for this purpose. 
The plant is rather apt to die off in winter, especially if kept too 
damp, or not sufficiently drained, so that recourse to its native 
haunts becomes perhaps often necessary for a supply of plants. It 
may be useful to hint that, in the case of this, and other Ferns which 
naturally occur among rocks, and are consequently somewhat difficult 
to remove and establish, it is far better to select the younger and 
smaller plants for the purpose of removal, than the larger and older 
masses which are apt to tempt the collector’s hand. 

