THE CULTURE OF FERNS 131 



devices is formed with the aid of a cloche similar 

 to those commonly used in French gardening. 

 It is only necessary to have a zinc, or a galvanized 

 tray on which to stand the glass in an inverted 

 position. Some means or other should be 

 devised for the drawing off of the superfluous 

 water from the tray, and the simplest of all is 

 to arrange a hole which can be stopped with a 

 cork. Broken crocks should be strewn upon the 

 tray, and on to this is heaped peaty soil mixed 

 with sand. A few small rocks of some soft 

 stone may be added, and in between these the 

 Ferns are planted. Of course, the Filmy Ferns 

 (Hymenophyllum) and the Bristle Ferns are good 

 subjects, but many other species may be grown 

 with great success in this way. The two chief 

 dangers are a very rank growth, by means of 

 which the stronger subjects overwhelm the less 

 vigorous plants, and too much moisture. Where 

 the dampness is excessive the fronds take on an 

 unhealthy appearance, and mould may appear. 

 The case should at such times be opened for a 

 few hours each day to admit the drying air. 

 The case may be kept in a light position, and 

 when once under way it will rarely need any 

 additional water. 



A very interesting practice is the raising of 

 young Ferns from spores. This is really a very 

 simple undertaking, and almost always meets 

 with success if the precaution is taken to 

 sterilize the soil used by baking it in an oven. 

 Afterwards it is, of course, necessary to moisten 

 the mould, and the spores are then scattered on 

 the surface. Keep closely covered with a bell 

 glass and, in a few weeks, more or less, the baby 

 Ferns will start to put in an appearance. 



Those who take up the cultivation of British 

 Ferns will certainly become interested in the 



