CHAPTER XIII FERN COLLECTING AND PRESERVING
Perhaps none of our native plants have suffered more from those vandals who root up every pretty thing they see than the Ferns. To the average tripper there seems to be something irresistible in the green fronds, and up comes the root, or enough of it to destroy the plant, and the prize is carried home. Even if the fern is so fortunate as to be planted at all, it is probably dealt with in such a way that its chances of living are very remote. County Councils may pass by-laws, but one is afraid that these will have little effect until there is amongst the people as a whole a more wide-spread regard for natural beauty. It is to be feared that one cannot entirely acquit the scientific student of helping in the destruction of Ferns. A rare find is a terrible temptation to the enthusiast, but if the plant is a solitary one it is a golden rule to leave it alone. Often enough a single frond will give us any quantity of ripe spores from which fresh plants may be raised. In any case the gathering of the leaf is a certain proof that one has found the particular species. If it is possible to re-visit the spot at a later date it is not unlikely that the specimen may have propagated itself in some way. Of course, where there are a number of specimens there can be no harm in taking one for cultivation. The same applies to common Ferns, or varieties of these; and if by propagation the stock is increased the number of beautiful plants in the country is made the larger. So that there is a form of collecting which is perfectly legitimate, and, indeed, to be commended.
For those who start out on a Fern collecting expedition, one of the long narrow trowels will be found to be extremely useful. A proper vasculum is, of course, of service, but this is sometimes apt to get in the way, and it will not accommodate very large Ferns. Mr. C. T. Druery, who has done an enormous amount of Fern collecting at home and abroad, declares that he contents himself with some old newspapers and a ball of string. In this way bundles of the plants are easily made, and in most cases these can be readily carried about. Great care is necessary when removing the Ferns to do as little damage as possible to the roots. If it is desired that the plant should settle into its new home as quickly as possible, it is an excellent plan to take away with it a certain amount of soil. Of course, considerations of weight have to be taken into account, but the more mould round the roots the better. Never grasp a Fern plant from above and try to pull it away, as this will be almost sure to result in damage. Rock Ferns are often exceedingly difficult to remove, owing to the manner in which the roots of these plants spread to great distances in the crevices. Yet without a large amount of their roots these Ferns can never be satisfactorily established. In such cases a chisel and a mallet will often come in highly useful, as in many instances if the rock is chipped away the Fern can be readily taken from its position. As the specimens are secured it is most important to take steps to protect them from withering. First of all, wrap a portion of damp newspaper round the roots, and then tie up with dry paper. When on a holiday the Ferns may be kept alive and in good condition for a week or so, if they are placed in some shady corner with their roots protected in the manner described. An occasional sprinkling of water will help to prevent any withering. Of course, for packing it is often necessary to cut off some of the largest fronds; and there is not much lost by so doing, for these often become very much damaged, and will probably die when the plant is established in its new quarters. The question is often asked at what time of the year may Ferns be removed. Nearly all our native species will suffer transplanting at almost any season if the business is carried out on the lines indicated. Of course, most specimens are probably taken up in the summer when the handsome foliage attracts the eye. In some ways this is the least satisfactory time on account of the hot dry weather, but by protecting the roots there is no reason why the specimens should flag to a harmful extent. Of course, newly acquired Ferns will pay for extra attention in the way of watering until they have secured a proper roothold.