1 66 FERNS IN THEIR HOMES AND OURS. 



cultivated is one of the bananas, the Musa En- 

 sete ; but it could only, of course, be grown in a 

 large greenhouse. 



The Begonias, especially those after the pattern 

 of B. rex t are always desirable. They are easily 

 managed in the greenhouse or fern-case. 



The moist air of the fern-house seems exactly 

 what is required for the treatment of Orchids; 

 but the expense which these plants involve pre- 

 vents their cultivation becoming common. But 

 where the owner of the house has time to tend 

 and watch them, or a gardener is always in at- 

 tendance, they should not be omitted. The first 

 thing to be done by any one who proposes to grow 

 Orchids is to obtain Williams's "Orchid-Grower's 

 Manual;" or "Orchid Culture," by Edward S. 

 Rand, jun. (Hurd and Houghton, 1876). The 

 latter is slightly the more expensive. These books 

 contain descriptions of the best Orchids, and in- 

 formation concerning their management. 



Among the smaller plants suitable for ferneries 

 are the Fittonias, the very pretty variegated Pani- 

 cum, various Marantas, and, until it outgrows its 

 quarters, the Coccoloba platyphylla. The Ficus 

 repens will in a short time form a beautiful cover- 

 ing on the wall of the greenhouse, and will also 

 thrive in the fernery. 



Reference has already been made to plants 

 which may be grown in the out-door fernery. 



