WINDOW GARDENING 



173 



begin in a more simple manner, by going to the nearest green house, where ferns 

 are grown, and procure some small seedlings. These come up in great quantities 

 in the pots, also on the earth of the pan on which the pots rest, and in fact 

 everywhere that the spores chance to sow themselves. You can in this way 

 frequently get a half dozen varieties of ferns. Among them probably one or two 

 Adiantums, a Doodia, and several varieties of Pteris. These are the ferns most 

 likely to produce seedlings, when the spores are scattered over a moist surface. 



After these have been transferred to the fern case, their daily growth will 

 afford you a very pleasant and interesting study ; 

 the gradual change and growth of the frond from 

 the first appearance to the full development will 

 amply repay you for your patience in waiting. 



This is the true way to enjoy plant cases ; begin 

 with the rudiments and learn step by step the 

 nature of the plants. 



For moderate sized cases we must select ferns 

 of size and habit suitable for them. 



The best of those found in green houses are : 



Adiantum capillus Veneris, A assimile, A 

 acristatum, Doodia aspera, D. caudata, Pteris 

 geraniefolia, P. Cretica, albo lineata, P. hetero- 

 phylla, P. serrulata, Blechnum gracile, Asplen- 

 ium auritum, and A. bulbiferum. There are 

 many others, but a simple list like this is suf- 

 fficient. 



For tall ferns choose Polypodium Aurcum, P. 

 appendiculatum, Pteris argyrea, Asplenium 

 Brasiliense, Adiantum macrophyUum, Anemia 

 Phyliti^is. 



In planting your ferns do not crowd them 

 together, but gi <--. room for the full development 

 of the fronds; their growth is rapid and many 

 soon double their original size when first pur- 

 chased. Alternate the different varieties if pos- 

 sible, 'and do not get two or three plants of the 

 same kind together. A fine delicate fern always 

 looks more graceful and pretty beside a variety with a full broad frond. So 

 a light green or variegated plant will show to better advantage beside one 

 with a dark green frond. In choosing your soil, make say of three parts 

 rich, black peaty mould, one part coarse sand and gravel siftings mixed, and one 

 part broken charcoal, see that the pieces of charcoal are broken to the size of 

 cranberries, and well mixed with the earth ; the whole should only be broken 

 up, not sifted. 



Fig. 53. Parlor Fern Stand. 



