210 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



difference between a plant being just kept alive, and one that ia in 

 the most robust health. For my own part I am opposed to putting 

 tender things out of doors, for 1 hold th:it a liardy plant in a healthy 

 condition is in every way preferable to a tender thing, which appears 

 to have as much as it can do to retain a spark of vitality in it. 

 There are several species which require the temperature of a stove 

 for their successful cultivation, but it may be safely said that the 

 most beautiful kinds are comprised in the conservatory or green- 

 house section. 



In commencing the cultivatioa of tree ferns, one very important 

 step towards achieving success is made by commencing with esta- 

 blished plants. They can frequently be purchased at auction-rooms 

 in a dormant state, as received from their native habitats, but there 

 is a great risk in doing so, for they are often quite dead ; and if alive 

 a considerable amount of skill is needful to induce them to start 

 freely into growth. They are rather expensive to purchase, the 

 price being regulated by the height of the stem, and the size of the 

 head. Small plants of the majority may be purchased, and they are 

 exceedingly beautiful ; but with few exceptions, a considerable 

 number of years must necessarily elapse before the trunks attain 

 any considerable height. 



All the tree ferns thrive in a compost consisting of equal parts 

 turfy loam and fibrous peat, and a sprinkling of sharp silver sand 

 and small crocks. The peat and loam must be full of fibrous matter, 

 and used in a lumpy state, so as to admit of the roots running freely 

 in it. The pots or tubs should be of comparative large size, and 

 well drained, and when more space for the roots is required, they 

 should have a rather lai^ge shift, for owing to their bulk they are not 

 very convenient to move about, and an annual shift is by no means 

 desirable. In potting them cover the crocks with a layer of moss 

 •;n preference to rough peat or other loose material, and press the 

 soil rather firm and equally all round. 



Throughout the year specimens in good health will require 

 liberal supplies of water, and special attention must be given to the 

 watering when the plants are growing freely, for if they sufi'er then 

 for the want of water, the growth will be cheeked, and the plants 

 materially injured. The stems must be kept in a moist state both 

 winter and summer, and this can be done very readily by syringing 

 them as often as maj' appear necessary. AVhen producing their 

 i\ew fronds, they will requii'e syringing twice a day ; at other times 

 once will suffice. They must also be placed in a shady part of the 

 house during the summer season, for when exposed to the sun the 

 fronds quickly assume a yellowiah colour, and have an appearance 

 less pleasing than could be desired. But potted in a fibrous soil, 

 and placed in a shady position and well supplied with moisture, they 

 will grow famously and produce broad spreading fronds of the 

 richest green imaginable. It is sometimes said that the brown 

 stems of such kinds as DicLsonia antarctic'X are objectionable. For 

 my own part I think they are very picturesque. If their appear- 

 ance is objected to, it may be got over by obtaining some ripe fern- 

 spores from any fronds, those of the Maiden's-hair being the most 



