138 



The -Canadian Horticulturist. 



FERNS. 



HE culture of ferns is now receiving considerable attention, 

 but not nearly so much as it would if they were more gener- 

 ally known. The varied and graceful form and beauty of 

 their fronds, make them exceedingly attractive objects for 

 the window garden, the rockery, and ornamental plots. 

 Throughout the world there are about 2.500 known 

 varieties, about fifty distinct species of them are indigenous 

 to Canada. They can be transplanted from their habitats 

 without much risk of loss, and are easily managed, being 

 seldom attacked by insect enemies, the plants endure for 

 many years. 



Ferns are of all sizes, from less than one inch to several feet in height, 

 nearly all cryptogamous. Some kinds have creeping rootstocks by which plants 

 are multiplied. Some kinds produce minute bulblets on their leaves, and which 

 quickly form plants when planted in fine moist earth. The walking fern pro- 

 pagates itself by forming plants at the tips of its leaves turned down to the ground. 

 Only one kind is entitled to be called the flowering fern, (Osmunda regalis) and 

 ius beauty does not so much consist in its flowers as in its leaves. 



The tree fern grows to a height of many feet, but it can only be grown in a 

 warm climate. 



The bird's nest fern, (Osmunda Struthiopteris) of Russia, forms convenient 

 accommodation for wild ducks at breeding time. 



The female fern (Pteris Aquilina) is.said to be an effectual remedy for the evil 

 of the tapeworm. 



The common polypody (Polypodium Vulgare) was employed by the ancients 

 as a purgative, and is recommended as a preventive of melancholy and insanity^ 

 but its effects I cannot vouch for. 



I do know, however, that for intermixing with cut flowers ; for window gar- 

 dening ; and for decorating the dinning table, ferns fill a place which cannot be 

 supplied with any other class of plants known at present. 



I have seen a Wardian case 3x2^ feet containing 22 distinct species of 

 exotic ferns, besides some mosses, wintergreen and violets ; and it aff"orded the 

 owner, as well as his family and friends a great deal of pleasure at comparatively 

 small expense. 



For the embellishment of cemeterieSj parks and pleasure grounds, ferns are 

 admirably adapted, whether planted in clumps, vases or around the bases of the 

 trunks. 



Some have been discouraged with the growing of ferns, because they had 

 undertaken to grow tender leaved kinds in places exposed to parching wind§. 

 The common brake or bracken, endures almost any exposure without 



