XIV INTEODUCTION. 



vegetable or leaf mould, one or two years old, one-third ; 

 fibrous peat, one-third ; bog moss, finely chopped, one-third ; 

 and as much silver sand as will give it a whitish-silvery 

 appearance. For very small plants we put this compost 

 through a rather fine sieve ; but for large plants we do not 

 sift it at all, only pulling the peat in pieces, and taking out 

 the very roughest pieces, stones, or other extraneous matters, 

 mixing it thoroughly with the other materials, and using it 

 in a state of moderate dryness and^ warmth. When mixed 

 it has a considerable resemblance to the compost we use for 

 most of the Orchid tribe. 



In this rich, light, open compost the roots of the Ferns 

 run freely, and the plants riot in health and luxuriance, due 

 care being given to supply them with the proper heat and 

 moisture ; of which, more anon. 



POTTING. 



Ferns are, in this point, something like Heaths; they 

 will not thrive luxuriantly if pot-bound, and therefore should 

 be frequently repotted. Young plants from the seed-pan 

 should be potted three times during the summer the first 

 time in March, the second in June, and the third in 

 September. Larger plants will do well if potted in March 

 and August. 



In potting, the first thing to attend to is the drainage ; 

 for, though these plants love moisture, they will not thrive 

 in stagnant water retained in the pots. The best material 

 for drainage is broken potsherds, covered with a thin layer 

 of moss. Place a large piece over the hole at the bottom 

 of the pot, some smaller pieces over that, and a layer of 

 some still smaller upon them ; then a covering of moss, 

 and upon it a small quantity of the rough fibres of the peat. 



