28 



THE CANADIAN HORTICULTURIST. 



Fig. 2229. Pteris Serrulata. 



ially suitable for indoor culture is the dwarf 

 growing Polypody. This fern is almost 

 evergreen in character and differs but slightly 

 either in form or habit from the English 

 Polypody (Polypodium vulgare) both of 

 which are most enduring ferns as house or 

 window plants. I have used specimens of 

 both the Canadian and English Polypody for 

 house decorative plants for several years 

 past, the plants having in almost every case 

 retained their fresh bright appearance for 

 two or three months without any more care 

 or attention than is usually bestowed on the 

 best house plants, viz. : Aspidistras, Cordy- 

 lines, palms, etc., a fact that certainly placed 

 them high in my estimation as house plants. 

 It is easy enough to secure a plentiful supply 

 of the native Polypody, as it grows freely in 

 almost every part of Canada, more especially 

 amongst rocks and stones. Used solely as 

 an occupant of the fern pan or as a pot 

 plant, or mixed in with other kinds of ferns, 

 these varieties of the Polypody are a valuable 

 addition to the list of ferns suitable for 

 house or window culture. 



Another stronger and coarser growing 

 fern, useful for house decoration or for the 

 greenhouse, is the Aspidum falcatum, or as 

 it is sometimes catalogued Cyrtomium fal- 

 catum, another iron-clad fern capable of 



resisting for a longer period than most ferns 

 the atmospheric condition unsuitable to 

 plants, usually found in a dwelling house. 



Many other varieties of ferns could be 

 mentioned as being suitable for house or 

 window culture, but those given will 

 be found sufficient to make a variety 

 to supply quite a large window or for 

 house decorative purposes. 



A word or two perhaps on the culture and 

 care of ferns may perhaps be acceptable. 



There are very few ferns but delight 

 most of all in soil of a light, porous nature. 

 A compost should be made of one-half well 

 rotted, clean leaf mould, the other half to be 

 made up in equal parts of sharp, fine sand and 

 loamy potting soil, the lattevr being enriched 

 with a small quantity of dry pulverized cow 

 manure. Mix this compost well together 

 before using. 



From the fact that ferns like plenty of 

 moisture at the roots and around about 

 them, the mistake is often made of not 

 giving the pots they are to grow in a plenti- 

 ful supply of drainage. This latter feature 

 is very necessary when potting ferns or 

 filling fern pans, as ferns will not live, to say 

 nothing of thriving, in a sodden soil soured 

 by stagnant water, especially when placed in 

 a window or dwelling house. Use fully an 



Fig. 2230. Pteris Wimsetti. 



