CHAPTER VIII 

 FILMY FERNS 



AMONG those included under the above title, we have 

 many widely-distinct Ferns, but all have one character- 

 istic that is, their fronds are semi-transparent, and all 

 delight in a moist, cool atmosphere. It is probably 

 owing to the fact that they require exceptional treat- 

 ment that they are not more generally grown than they 

 are, for under favourable conditions they grow freely 

 and are peculiarly attractive. There is also the advan- 

 tage of not having to provide heat. The lovely Todea 

 superba may have the globules of water on the surface of 

 their fronds frozen into ice without doing any harm. 



Their chief requirements are a close, moist atmosphere, 

 and for this reason they may be specially recommended 

 to be grown in glass cases, and will do well in the house, 

 as they require only a moderate amount of light and 

 must not be exposed to the sun. When grown ex- 

 tensively, a deep grotto may be formed, with a glass 

 roof, and if this can be done under a north wall, all the 

 better. The sides may be built up with rough sand- 

 stones, porous bricks, or tufa stone may be used, with 

 spaces for old tree roots, rough peat, and sphagnum 

 moss ; old tree fern stems cut up, and some leaf mould, 

 may be added. The finest plants of Todea superba I have 

 seen were growing round the sides of a deep pit built of 

 bricks, with a glass covering. Here the large plants were 

 luxuriating, and numerous seedlings were springing up 

 among them. 



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