FERNS FOR HOUSE DECORATION 63 



(or Maidenhair Fern) ; and the varieties of capillus- 

 veneris do well, but do not grow tall enough to be 

 very effective. 



P/atyceriums are all useful. The ordinary P. alcicorne 

 (or Stag's-horn Fern), I find, lasts wonderfully well, 

 and though not yet quite a popular market Fern, it will 

 last in the house as long as any, and is always admired 

 when seen in good condition. 



Among hardy sorts, the Scolopendriums, of which we 

 have numeroifs varieties, and the Polystichums (Aspidiums) 

 of the angulare type, of which there are also many 

 beautiful varieties, do well in a window where there 

 is little sun. 



The great fault with many who have Ferns indoors is 

 that they over-water them. It is easy to go to the other 

 extreme. My experience has taught me that it is difficult 

 to give advice on this subject, for while amateurs may read, 

 they do not follow the instructions. I have frequently 

 been told that plants which have shown definite evidence 

 of having been too dry, have been watered regularly, and, 

 on the other hand, I have found that many water Ferns 

 too much. There are more Ferns spoiled from injudi- 

 cious watering than from any other cause. When re- 

 quired a thorough soaking may be given, and then they 

 should be left to get fairly dry before more is given. I 

 have had plants submitted for my inspection where the 

 soil has been thoroughly soured through over-watering ; 

 and I have also had others which, though the soil was 

 wet on the outside, in the centre it proved to be as dry 

 as dust. Frequent dribbles is the greatest mistake 

 made. 



