25b 



They are so free-growing and so full of vigour that almost 

 any soil or situation — minus a southern one — will agree 

 with them. They bear exposure well when planted in a 

 deep rich soil, but it is always desirable to bear in mind 

 their origin and history. They are shade and moisture- 

 loving plants ; hence it is wise to observe these facts. 

 There is, therefore, no reason why the finer varieties should 

 not adorn the garden — always assuming that the garden is 

 not too urban. At Kew they consider that soil that will 

 grow cabbages will grow Ferns. Perhaps this is so — with 

 certain reservations. I am inclined to limit this to Poly- 

 stichtims. Anyhow, these Ferns revel in a good deep rich 

 loam. But for many of the better forms frame culture is 

 more satisfactory. They are more under control, can be 

 protected from wind and weather, and make better 

 specimens. The compost, too, and the drainage can be 

 better manipulated ; and if the Ferns are planted out will 

 give little more trouble than their confreres of the garden. 

 Such an arrangement — rather a large one— is adopted by 

 Mr. Wright aforesaid. He recommends this mode of 

 culture and certainly the results are highly pleasing. It 

 is, however, when we come to pot culture under glass that 

 the soil question becomes more or less acute. Here the 

 area is limited and the conditions artificial. For pots, 

 then, I prefer a rather roup;h compost consisting of the 

 best fibrous loam and leaf-soil I can obtain, to which must 

 be added a sprinkling of charcoal, broken brick, or coarse 

 sand to keep the moisture sweet and open. If leaf-soil 

 cannot be obtained, then two parts loam and one of old 

 hot-bed manure, with, of course, the other additions. Pot 

 firmly — and less water will be required, a consideration in 

 the growing season when this indispensable commodity is 

 most in demand. 



As to ivhen potting should be performed I favour autumn, 

 although in the hands of an expert it may be done at any 

 time. But there is potting and repotting — much or little 

 root disturbance. The Polystichuui resents root disturbance. 



