LIST OF PLANTS | 119 
- base of the stem, taken off with a heel and inserted in 
sandy compost in a close frame, are the usual method 
for the variegated forms. | 
FENNEL.—This herb, used in fish sauces and for 
garnishing, is raised from seed sown outdoors in March 
and by dividing the roots of established plants in 
spring. 7 
Ferns.—-The propagation of Ferns is effected in 
different ways, according to the habit and mode of 
growth of the many kinds. The most natural method 
generally is that by spores, which with many species is 
easy enough and gives good results, while with others 
it is apparently impossible. In a state of nature, 
especially in tropical regions, some appear to spread 
and increase more by creeping rhizomes underground or 
over the bark of trees than by any other means. Among 
cultivated species many of the Adiantums, Aspleniums, 
Blechnums, Pteris, and others will vegetate and grow 
up in chinks of the wall under the stages and other odd 
moist places like weeds, while others will not respond 
to the most careful treatment. 
Ferns forming tufts and crowns, such as Adiantums, 
can usually be successfully divided. In some species 
young plants form at the ends of the fronds. Tiny 
plantlets are borne on the fronds of Aspleniums, and if 
the fronds be pegged down to the surface of a pan_-filled 
with suitable compost these plantlets will in due course 
root and form individual plants. The rooted rhizomes 
of Davallias can be cut off and potted to form separate 
plants. 
The raising of Ferns from spores is of all these 
different methods the most interesting and fascinating 
in the propagation of these favourite plants. Spores of 
