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competition between them. The salutary effect of this, 

 and of the loose compost itself, was evidenced by the 

 immense size of the fronds to which I have alluded 

 (P. V. omnilacevnm, Oxford, being by actual measurement 

 30 inches, surely a record for the species), while the ample 

 light afforded by the clear glass, only shaded when 

 necessary from burning sunshine, prevented them from 

 being drawn up and consequently assuming a decumbent 

 habit foreign to the species in most of its varietal forms. 



Seeing such results, the question to the would-be 

 cultivator is, What is the secret of such success ? The 

 answer lies not merely within the greenhouse itself in 

 which it is exemplified, but also in the garden in which it 

 exists. Here are not only Ferns but also many flowers, 

 and these the expert horticulturist recognises at once as 

 all of the best and choicest species and forms. Not a trace 

 of weeds appears, the soil everywhere is obviously rich, 

 and the plants in it are expertly and evidently liberally 

 treated, and kept in such order as enables them to display 

 their flowers to the best advantage. I also noticed, inside 

 the greenhouse, that a peculiarly congenial moisture 

 pervades not merely the soil but the atmosphere by 

 frequent flooding of the paths, the benefit of which is 

 shown also by a twin bed on the right-hand side filled 

 with magnificent specimens of the Hartstongue varieties, 

 which do their best to rival their opposite neighbours, 

 which form our special theme. Above all, there struck 

 me, as a contrast to many collections I have seen, the 

 absence of any traces of insect depredation or defilement, 

 due undoubtedly to constant watchfulness and the imme- 

 diate use of insecticides should traces of such pests present 

 themselves. 



I am indebted to Mr. Henwood (of carnation and 

 auricula renown) for the appended list of varieties, which 

 show how greatly the common species of the hedge-rows, 

 old walls, and trees, has contributed by " sports " to the 



