10 INTRODUCTION. 



remembered, that the real feeders are not the 

 main mass of root, so called, but the fibres 

 therefrom. For the drawing-room under glass, 

 of course the evergreens are best chosen, as 

 affording liveliness and verdure during the 

 winter; the closest set together and fullest 

 being most adapted for this purpose; as all 

 plants thus circumstanced are inclined to run 

 to stalk and straggle upwards. Nor can it be 

 expected that they will continue to nourish 

 there, year after year, without the occasional 

 reinvigoration of fresh soil and a renewed 

 atmosphere. Where not sheltered out of doors, 

 the wind sometimes proves a little injurious, or 

 even poisonous as it were, to a few of the young 

 and tender fronds. Too great neatness in 

 trimming off those that have died down at the 

 end of the season is not advisable, as they are a 

 defence to the plant, and the deprivation per- 

 haps rather enfeebles it; and besides, when 

 left to fall off of themselves, they assist other 

 decaying substances around in forming a natural 

 compost for it. Ferns may be raised from seed, 

 carefully potted and managed. 



