156 



GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT. 



other similar forms, grow very slowly, and, as a result, 

 are imported in a dormant condition, at a large expense, 

 the AlsopMla Australia is quite rapid in its growth and 

 is readily propagated from spores. 



Ferns thrive in a moist atmosphere, but while they 

 need a steady supply of moisture at their roots, an excess 

 is sure to bring serious consequences. The thrip and 

 scale are among the worst insect enemies of ferns. For 



FIG. 59. BOSTON FERN (NEPHROLEPIS EXAI/TATA BOSTONIENSIS). 



the former, the frequent spraying of the plants with 

 tobacco decoction will be found useful, or moderate 

 fumigation may be employed upon the stronger kinds. 

 The scale insects are most likely to make their appear- 

 ance on plants that have been neglected, and if they 

 appear the plants should be dipped or sprayed with ker- 

 osene emulsion, or fir tree oil, and receive better atten- 

 tion in the future. 



Ferns, as a rule, do not thrive as house plants, but 

 for this purpose, the sword fern {Neplirolepis exaltatd) 



