n6 FERNS IN THEIR HOMES AND OURS. 



Ferns in baskets are best adapted to the green- 

 house ; although, with care, a few species may be 

 made to endure the living-room. The ferns which 

 throw out their fronds from a running stem are 

 best suited for basket culture. The one figured 

 (PL 20, Fig. 2) is Davallia bullata, and has been 

 growing, as shown, five years without change, a 

 little new earth being occasionally introduced at 

 the top. The best baskets are those made of gal- 

 vanized iron wire, with the meshes only sufficient- 

 ly fine to support the moss with which the bas- 

 ket should be lined before introducing the earth. 

 This should be made of coarse peat, sand, and 

 loam. The fern may be planted on the top ; and, 

 if it is of the proper sort, it will soon find its way 

 all over the basket. Sometimes the moss grows 

 too, making a most charming foundation of green. 

 Baskets may also be made of bark fastened together 

 with wire. They can be watered by dipping them 

 into the tank or tub, which should always be 

 handy in every greenhouse. The wire cylinder 

 (PI. 20, Fig. 3) is made of the wire netting used 

 for window-protectors, the front of furnace air- 

 boxes, &c. It should be galvanized ; and, having 

 been shaped into the cylinder, it may be held in 

 form by wire. It may be filled like the baskets, 

 having been, like them, lined with moss ; or it may 

 be filled with peat, sufficiently large pieces being 

 used to remain in place, and not sift out through 



