FERNS. 117 



The Maiden-hairs are all more or less a graceful species, 

 but the Farleyense outstrips them in regard to this 

 characteristic. The interest that is attached to green- 

 house Fern-growing no doubt far exceeds that per- 

 taining to all other classes of similar plants. Their 

 various dispositions, beautiful shades of green, and the 

 rapidity with which they develop themselves into per- 

 fect specimens by careful culture — all these excite 

 admiration, yea, I may say affection for them beyond 

 every other species of plant. This arises, no doubt, 

 from the fact of their possessing the charm of being of 

 a constant character, and in having a quiet favourable 

 colour most agreeable to the sense of sight ; having, 

 moreover, no fluctuations like the Geranium, Fuchsia, 

 &c, whose charm lies in their gaudy flowers only, 

 which last but a comparatively short time. 



Ferns can be grown in a common greenhouse 

 with other plants, but to be really successful a shaded 

 house should be devoted to them alone. Such a house 

 should be glazed with green glass. I find that the 

 foliage of plants assumes a much deeper green, and 

 that they do so much better, under green glass than 

 under white. I have lately proved this to demonstra- 

 tion. I had a large frame of six sashes with Primula 

 Sinensis, two or three of which sashes (lights) were 

 done over (painted) outside with light green oil paint, 

 a fair coat. The plants that were under this coloured 

 light assumed many shades of deeper green, and were 

 more healthy and robust than those under the light 

 with clear glass. Green glass is especially adapted for 

 growing Ferns under, even more than flowering plants, 

 for they prefer a subdued light. 



The house for Fern-growing should be low, and fitted 

 up with broad close stages. The walls may be of a 

 rough description, so as to hold moss and sphagnum 

 stuffed into the crevices ; this will contain moisture, and 

 serve to supply an atmospheric vapour by sj'ringing 

 daily. It will also serve as a reserve for the produc- 

 tion of seedlings, by throwing seed over it. The 

 fernery should have an apparatus for supplying a 



