Pelt 
FERNS AND MOSSES 
pet ERNS are universally known and admired for the beau- 
! ty of their foliage. The family consists of a great num- 
ber of species, mostly herbaceous, but sometimes of 
gigantic size, with palm-like stems and ample crowns 
of graceful foliage; others tiny, delicate things, with 
fronds of a transparent, film-like texture. 
Most ferns will grow in shade. ‘They are generally moisture- 
loving plants, growing in the depths of woods and forests 
among leaves and decaying vegetable matter. Some few spe- 
cies grow in the crevices of rocks in sunny and exposed posi- 
tions, and should be treated accordingly when grown. The 
marvellous golden and silvery leaved ferns are of this nature. 
To grow ferns successfully a liberal drainage should be pro- 
vided for; a rich vegetable soil, consisting of equal parts of 
fibrous loam, leaf mould, and sand, will suit most species. For 
golden and silvery leaved ferns one-fourth part of old mortar is 
beneficial. The watering must be liberal in the growing sea- 
son, but the foliage should, as a rule, be kept absolutely dry ; 
but if dirty the leaves may be cleaned in the ordinary way—by 
washing. An even and moderate temperature is best suitable 
to all species commonly grown. ‘The shadier positions in the 
house are best; no fern should be exposed to the full rays of 
the sun. 
