264 



FERxVS. 



the roots to become too dry, unless regularly watched. A liberal supply 

 of drainage, in the shape of broken pots, pieces of old mortar, or bricks, 

 should be placed in the bottom of the pot, and on the top of this a thin 

 layer of moss, to prevent the fine mould, which is necessary, from running 

 down into the drainage. The mould should be light, and finely sifted. 

 A useful mixture for most ferns is the following : Fibrous Peat, Leaf- 

 mould, Loam and White Sand, in equal proportions. The roots bear 

 transplanting better in the Autumn than at any other time, but should 

 not be forced to grow at once on arrival in Britain ; they should be put 

 by in a cool place until the next Spring. 



The facilities for the transmission of small parcels to Britain are 

 now so great, that there is no excuse for our not sending large numbers 

 of these lovely plants, many of which, although common with us, are, 

 nevertheless, highly prized on the other side of the Atlantic. 



Ferns Indigenous to Canada, East of the Rocky Mountains 

 but not found Growing Wild in Great Britain. 



Fairy Fern — Adiantum pedatum, (L.) 



An exceedingly desirable species, of great beauty and easy culture ; 

 there is, perhaps, no species of the large family of Maidenhairs, from 

 all the different parts of the world, which surpasses our native species 

 in grace and elegance. 



Rock Brakk — Pellaa i^racilis, (Hook.) 



This charming little species has yellow, fleshy root-stocks, which 

 contain much oil, and it is doubtless this character which renders it 

 capable of withstanding drought for a long time. Its natural habitat is 

 in crevices and under overhanging ledges of limestone rocks, where it 

 shouis out its delicate fronds in the month of June. At this time of the 

 year the rocks in such localities as it frequents — on river banks and lake 

 shores — are constantly wet from the snow water, which has not yet dried 

 up in the woods ; but is constantly trickling down over the surfiice of 

 the ro( ks, and which, penetrating into the little cracks and crannies, 

 gives the moisture which is necessary, with the warmth of Spring, to 

 (juirken into life the lovely rock ferns which grow there. After the end 

 of July the fronds dry up and the plant again lies dormant until the next 

 June. This fern could be moved easily when in the dormant state, and 

 should be cultivated with ease. 



