FLOWERS 185 
the better. The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exalta- 
ta Bostoniensis) and its improved form, Scotiti, are 
two of the best for house use, and if grown in the 
greenhouse until of good size and form, they will 
make unusual and very acceptable holiday or birth- 
day gifts. A few small plants obtained from the 
florist and kept where they do not get a direct glare 
of light, watered frequently enough so that the soil 
is always moist (but never “sopping” ), and plenty 
of fresh air in bright weather, will rapidly make 
fine plants. If you happen to have a few old 
plants on hand, they may be increased readily by di- 
vision. Separate the old crowns into a few small 
plants. Don’t make them very small or they will 
not renew as readily. Keep them, if possible, a lit- 
tle above sixty degrees, with plenty of moisture. 
Loam and sand, to which is added about the same 
amount of leaf-mould, will make a proper soil. 
Asparagus ferns will also respond to about the 
same care, though thriving in an even lower temper- 
ature. Asparagus plumosus nanus, the Lace fern, 
is especially delicate and graceful and makes an ideal 
small table plant to use with flowers. 
CHRYSANTHEMUMS 
These are propagated by cuttings, which root 
very easily. I would suggest, however, dipping 
them first in a wash of one part Aphine to thirty- 
five parts water, and then rinsing in clear cold 
