234 THE NURSERY LIST. 



upon the European or American species. (See Fig. 115 

 for a good method. ) The purple-leaved beech repro- 

 duces itself very closely by seeds, although different shades 

 of purple will appear amongst the seedlings. 



Farfugium. See Senecio. 



Felicia. Composites. 



Propagated by seeds, or by cuttings inserted in sandy 

 soil, under glass. 



Fennel (Ff^niculum^ various species). Umbelliferce. 



Seeds, usually in spring. 

 Fennel Flower. See Nigella. 



Fenugreek ( Trigonella Foenum-Graewri}. Leguminosfz. 

 Propagated by seeds. 



Ferns. Filices. 



Where division is possible, it is the easiest and most 

 economical method of propagation, and should be prac- 

 ticed just before the plant starts into growth. The spores 

 can be sown in February and March, or earlier, under 

 glass, in a warm propagating pit. Partly fill a suitable 

 sized pot or pan with coarse peat, giving plenty of drain- 

 age ; make the surface level, and on this place three- 

 quarter inch cubes of well-seasoned peat which is rather 

 dry, watering the whole and scattering on the spores 

 evenly. Cover with a pane of glass, and place in a partial 

 shade. While the process which corresponds to germina- 

 tion is going on, great care must be given to the water 

 supply. This is sometimes done by placing the pots or 

 pans in a saucer, from which they can suck the water up. 

 Overhead watering may be used, and often is, but it must 

 be done with great care. Be certain that the spores are 

 fully ripe when gathered. 



The young plants should be pricked out when the true 

 leaf appears, and they are large enough to handle. The 

 same careful treatment should be continued until they are 

 established in pots. 



There is not much difficulty in getting the young plants, 

 if fresh spores are obtainable, but there is a good deal of 

 trouble in handling the plantlets, and establishing them 

 in their growing quarters. 



Most ferns are readily propagated by means of spores, 

 as directed above and on page 24. Some species rarely 



