us 



I have been able to grow the above species, as the 

 ordinary soil and water of this district are both impreg- 

 nated with lime. 



I am here reminded that, although the above treatment 

 may be all very well during the summer and autumn 

 months, it will not be safe during severe frosts, as not 

 only will the pots be likely to be split by the frost, but the 

 plants themselves, exposed above and below, will be liable 

 to damage. This is quite true, and some method must be 

 used to protect the ferns and pots from frost in severe 

 weather. With the deciduous species there is little trouble, 

 as they can be placed close together in any out-of-the-way 

 corner and either buried in dry leaves or simply covered 

 with mats during severe frost. My own method is the 

 latter, but the former is much less trouble when plenty of 

 dry leaves are available. The evergreen species, however, 

 are best protected, say from November to March, in a cold 

 house or cold frame, when they may be placed pretty 

 closely so that a number can be crowded into a space 

 which would not accommodate a quarter ot them during 

 the growing season. The crowns, and preferably the plants, 

 must be shaded from even the winter sun or they will 

 be likely to be stimulated into growth long before it is safe 

 to place them in their out-door quarters. For this reason 

 a house or frame with a north exposure is best even during 

 the winter, as the east winds of March and April are 

 exceedingly trying to ferns making their first growth, and 

 consequently they should, if possible, be kept from growing 

 until the weather is fairly genial out of doors. 



F. W. Stansfield. 



B 



