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found suspended nets the best and simplest protection — 

 but even so I, too, often lose the first fronds. 



Writing only from my own experience, I am on the 

 whole more satisfied with my plants grown in pots under 

 glass than those grown in the ground and under glass ; 

 the former can be removed outdoors in the hot weather, 

 they do so well in the shady corner ; the latter grow more 

 luxuriantly, but I think they are apt to lose their distinctive 

 character. 



I know it's wrong, I know the pain and disappointment 

 of the days to [come in attempting to grow Polyst. ang. 

 divisilohiim phimosnm in glass-covered ground, yet I cannot 

 resist it, there is nothing equal to the charm and beauty 

 of the early fronds ere the rust sets in. I can only plead 

 my countryman's excuse, " Better be a coward for half an 

 hour than dead all your life." 



Some of our friends may be about to start fern-growing, 

 if so it may not be out of place if I give them a few words 

 of advice. It is useless to grow ferns among and under 

 trees without some spade work. I suggest, then, that the 

 space be dug out, the bottom slated, or better still 

 concreted, and the sides protected with corrugated sheets 

 of iron. After making a drainage of stones fill up the 

 bed with leaf mould and loam. Result, you will have a 

 bed undisturbed by roots for years to come. My second 

 word of advice is this, have nothing to do with fern 

 hawkers. We are fortunate in our leading men in the 

 trade, they can be trusted absolutely. Beginners 

 cannot do better than put themselves in their hands, 

 they will get plants suitable to the various soils and 

 localities, and with them cultural directions are always 

 good. 



Wild finds and seedlings of one's own growing will 

 come later. In the language of the late Mr. Lowe, " atten- 

 tion to the above remarks may prevent disappointment." 



I am inclined to think that ferns, like potatoes and 

 human beings, are fond of a change of air and scene. 



