44 FERNS 



that this is not in accordance with Nature, 

 but an instance of the adaptability of wild- 

 lings to conventional life. 



FERN PESTS 



Chief of these are the neighbour's dogs, 

 which revel in the cool shade of house walls 

 and settle themselves in the midst of the 

 border with aggravating complacency. Wise 

 fern growers keep the remedy to themselves. 



Of no less importance are the neighbour's 

 hens, which also require prompt and efficient 

 attention to offset their fundamental efforts. 



Ferns in cultivation have the same natural 

 leaf-eating enemy that makes such havoc 

 with certain species in the woods, a small 

 green worm that appears early and often 

 mars the beauty of fine plants for the season. 

 It is well to anticipate the arrival of the 

 despoiler by dusting the fronds with hellebore. 

 A solution is better if the thief is at work, as 

 the powder does not easily wash off after its 

 mission is accomplished. 



