CHAPTER XI 



FERNS ON TREE STEMS 



THERE are many of the slender-growing Ferns with 

 spreading rhizomes which may be most effectively shown 

 when grown on straight or branched tree stems. These 

 may be of various heights and dimensions. Where the 

 dead tree-fern trunks can be procured they are the most 

 serviceable hollowed out at the top for putting in a 

 good plant, and the stem covered with sphagnum moss, 

 with which may be mixed a little peat and sand. This, 

 bound on with fine copper wire, will provide good 

 material for the rhizomes to root into. In preparing 

 ordinary tree stems, a receptacle may be provided at 

 the top by fixing a few split hazel rods. These may 

 come down the whole length of the stem, and the space 

 between will give more room for the moss, etc. The 

 size of the stems should be regulated according to the 

 growth of the Ferns they are intended for. 



Another method which may be recommended for those 

 requiring more root-room is to form cork pockets on the 

 stems. A matter of importance is to fix the stems on 

 a good base. They are often fixed in flower-pots, but 

 as these are liable to get broken, it is better to use tubs 

 of suitable sizes, or a good base may be formed by fixing 

 the stems on a thick piece of wood, and about three 

 brackets screwed on the stem and base to keep it firm ; 

 the base may be built up with soil and moss, on 

 which may be planted some of the mossy Selaginellas or 

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