CHAPTER V 



SMALL GROWING FERNS 



THERE are many Ferns which when fully developed 

 attain to large proportions, are equally pretty when 

 quite small, and have the appearance of having attained 

 to maturity. As a rule, the first fertile fronds give some 

 indication, but this cannot be relied upon absolutely. A 

 selection of those which are naturally of small growth 

 may prevent mistakes in potting or planting, and also 

 avoid those being used which would soon overgrow and 

 smother the choice small sorts. When once planted, 

 very few growers care to root a plant out, especially 

 when it is growing freely, and it is not uncommon to 

 see a large Fern overtopping the delicate small ones. 

 Many of the small growing Ferns require to be fully 

 exposed to the light, and under the shade of others 

 they will gradually dwindle and die. A group of choice 

 small species on some prominent part of the Rock- 

 Fernery is always a great attraction ; and when grown 

 for the collection shallow pans instead of pots may be 

 recommended. Several small plants, say one in the 

 centre and five round it, are attractive where one 

 diminutive specimen would hardly be seen. In making 

 the selection it may be as well to divide them into two 

 sections, and give a list of those suitable for the green- 

 house and those for the stove separately, but there are 

 some greenhouse sorts which succeed equally well in the 

 stove. 

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