Benedict: Boston Ferns 



263 



enough to grow after a six months 

 period. 



(7) Continue productivity test a 

 second six months to determine 

 whether different varieties are 

 equally good throughout the 

 year. 



(8) Raise all runner progeny under 

 uniform conditions, which are 

 probably most certainly secured 

 in pots. 



(9) Label all potted runners or keep 

 the pots together in fiats and 

 label one or more in each flat. 



(10) Keep similar types separate to 

 avoid danger of mixing pot 

 plants. 



(11) For productivity tests, select 

 single plants of as near the same 

 condition of growth, number of 

 leaves, stolons, habits, color, 

 freshness, etc., as possible. At 

 the start of the first six months 

 test, uniform runners may be 

 difificult to obtain but for the 

 second six months, the new 

 stock plants can be taken di- 

 rectly from the old bench. 



As a supplement to the test it is 

 hoped that arrangements may be 



made to establish competitive classes 

 at flower and plant shows as they are 

 held in the course of the next year and 

 afterward. Such classes might well 

 include the following: 



1. Best single specimen plant of any 

 Boston fern variety. 



2. Best group of ten plants of any 

 single variety as grown for the 

 trade. 



3. Best ten plants of any dwarf 

 variety in three inch pots. 



4. Best collection, — single plants, — ■ 

 of ten or more distinct once- 

 divided Boston fern varieties. 



5. Variety with the most beautiful 

 leaves. 



6. Best single basket plant grown 

 as exhibited. 



Are there any other important items 

 that have been overlooked? Are there 

 any recognized published standards for 

 judging specimen plants like those 

 used at exhibitions? Should there be 

 separate classes specifying the condi- 

 tions of growth? Suggestions and 

 cooperation in conducting this compe- 

 tition are earnestly desired. 



