PLANTS 



or eight-inch pots and later on to ten-inch ones, 

 thus making two shifts during the year. Keep 

 the plants out of the sun at all times and be 

 careful to see that the soil never gets dry. 

 This is very important. If a Fern suffers 

 from lack of moisture at its roots, it receives a 

 check from which it will be months in recover- 

 ing. Indeed, I would throw such a plant away 

 and begin with a new one, feeling sure that the 

 latter would be much the finest plant by fall if 

 given proper care. The careful amateur will 

 see that her plants are given such attention as 

 will keep them going steadily ahead. No 

 check will ever result from her neglect of them. 

 When properly cared for a Boston Fern ought 

 to have from thirty to sixty fronds when a 

 year old, each frond four or five feet long, 

 with dozens more showing at the centre of the 

 plant. Such a specimen will be a veritable 

 fountain of foliage. One will be sufficient to 

 fill a large window, where it will be most effec- 

 tive if kept by itself. Other plants do not 

 combine well with it. For use on brackets it is 

 most charming because of its gracefully droop- 

 ing habit. 



Lately two new Ferns have been put upon 

 the market, both "sports" from the Boston 



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