FERNS 



263 



considerably modified of late years, and some cultivators grow 

 many Ferns in almost pure loam. Still, with few exceptions, 

 the most suitable compost is two-parts loam to one-part 

 each of leaf-mould and peat, and about half a part of sand. 

 When there is no peat its place may be taken by an addi- 

 tional part of leaf-mould, and vice versa. Ferns as a rule 

 delight in plenty of water when growing freely, but it is 

 important to drain the soil well, as stagnant moisture is quickly 

 fatal not only to Ferns but to all classes of plants. Among 

 the numerous plants used for the embellishment of the dwell- 

 ing-house this excess of moisture is more fatal than anything 

 else. Thus, when the plants are placed in vases of different 

 kinds which have no provision to allow of the escape of 

 surplus water, they should be removed to be watered, and 

 allowed to drain for a few minutes before returning them 

 to their place. Many Ferns are suitable for growing in 

 suspended pots or baskets, in which situation they are very 

 attractive. Shading is less indulged in than it formerly was, 

 and the same amount that is needed by the average occupants 

 of the greenhouse will also suit the majority of Ferns. 



There are now hundreds of different kinds in cultivation, 

 and a selection of the best for greenhouse culture is herewith 

 given. The cultural requirements of these selected kinds are 

 not at all exacting. 



Adiantum Capillus-veneris (Maiden- 

 hair) 



cuneatum 

 ,, gracillimum 



,, decorum 

 formosum 

 hispidulum 

 Asplenium bulbifemm 



Colensoi 

 Cyrtomium falcatum 

 Davallia bullata 



canariensis (Hare's Foot 



Fern) 



Doryopteris palmata 

 Lastrea aristata variegata 

 decomposita 

 lepida 

 patens 

 Lomaria ciliata 

 Nephrodium molle 



,, corymbiferum 



Onychium japonicuni 



Osmunda japonica corymbifera 



palustris 

 Pellsea hastata 



rotundifolia 

 Polypodium aureum 



glaucum 



Schneider! 



Polystichum capense 

 setosum 



Pteris arguta 

 argyrsea 

 cretica 

 albo lineata 



Mayi 

 longifolia 



serrulata (Ribbon Fern) 

 cristata 



,, major 

 tremula 



smithiana 

 Wimsetti 



