FERNS IN THE LIVING ROOM 89 



privilege of standing still. Over-zealous cul- 

 turists usually like to turn things around, 

 but revolving cliffs are not in the natural 

 order of things. The slender black stipes 

 are very susceptible to change of light, and 

 warped and twisted fronds result. 



All of the above ferns hold their freshness 

 under adverse circumstances, but rarely 

 send out new growth until February. 



In acclimating ferns taken indoors in late 

 fall or early winter, avoid, as far as possible, 

 a rapid transition from a cold atmosphere 

 outside to over-heat inside. A gradual rise 

 of temperature will insure the best results. 



Screens are very useful in shutting off heat. 

 An occasional showering keeps the foliage 

 healthful. Over-watering is always disastrous. 



Native ferns indoors are subject to the ordi- 

 nary plant pests, chief of which are green 

 aphis and slugs. Confined fumes of tobacco 

 will answer for the one and whale-oil soap 

 suds for the other. 



