200 HOUSE PLANTS 



Even when young in small pots the plants 

 are attractive, but as they make a fairly 

 rapid growth one does not have to wait long 

 to obtain a large plant. The fronds of the 

 Boston fern are two to three feet long and 

 two to three inches across, and of a rich 

 green colour. Unlike most of the ferns 

 this will stand some abuse. With- all the 

 other ferns if the soil once becomes dry the 

 plant is ruined for the season at least, if 

 not absolutely killed; but should your sword 

 fern be neglected for a day or two, becoming 

 dry, it will recover if carefully looked after. 



Another variety of the exaltata which has 

 given satisfaction in many window gardens 

 is known in the trade as N. Philippensis. 

 The fronds are smaller, being only about 

 eighteen inches long and one and one-half 

 to two inches wide and are very dark green. 



Of recent years there have been several 

 new forms of the sword fern introduced to 

 the American trade which have become very 

 popular. The variety Scotti is a miniature 

 Boston fern, the fronds being shorter and 

 narrower, thus making a dense, more com- 

 pact plant. 



There are several plumose forms in which 



