RELIABLE FERNS FOR DWELLING ROOMS 205 



Another interesting fern is Davallta bullata, 

 usually seen in the form of " fern balls," but 

 equally at home in a pot or on a sphagnum 

 covered board. As a fern ball this fern is 

 particularly interesting. The balls are com- 

 posed of the rhizomes wrapped around 

 sphagnum m.oss. The balls are received 

 in this country in December and January 

 and all that is needed to start them into 

 growth is a thorough soaking in water. 

 Have them in a light window, preferably 

 a north one. 



GROWING CONDITIONS FOR FERNS 



In the coldest weather the temperature 

 in which ferns are growing ought never to 

 go below 55 degrees at night. A raise of 

 temperature during the day of lo or 15 

 degrees is sufficient, and surely no living 

 room should be above 70 degrees. A north 

 window or any window which has lots of 

 light and but little or no direct sunlight 

 will suit ferns; the sun injures the delicate 

 fronds. 



Ferns do not like a heavy soil, one com- 

 posed of four parts of a sandy loam, one 

 part sand, and one part manure, will give 



