312 THE NURSERY-MANUAL 



Felicia (Agathsea). Compositoe. 



By seeds and by cuttings, as for cineraria and chrysanthemum. 



Fennel (Fseniculum). Umbelliferae. 



Raised from seeds, usually in spring. See Ferula, for giant 

 fennel. 



Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Grcecum). Leguminosae. 



Annual, grown from seeds sown where the plants are to stand ; 

 in drills 18 inches apart, 7 to 10 pounds of seeds is required for an 

 acre ; broadcast, 10 to 20 pounds. 



Ferns. Filices; now divided into several families. 



When division is possible, it is the easiest and most economical 

 method- of propagation, and should be practiced just before the 

 plant starts into growth. 



Most ferns are readily propagated by means .of spores, as directed 

 below and on page 11. Some species rarely produce spores in 

 cultivation, however, and in other cases, as in some tree ferns, it is 

 almost impossible to rear the young plants after the spores have 

 germinated. In all such cases, recourse must be had to separation, 

 division or layerage. Some species, as Asplcnium bulbiferum, 

 Cystopteris bulbifera and others, bear small bulblets or detach- 

 able buds on their fronds. These buds often vegetate while still 

 attached to the frond. They may be removed either before or 

 after showing signs of vegetation, and set in pots in a close prop- 

 agating-frame. Some species produce creeping rootstocks, which 

 emit roots if pegged down into a pot of soil or on a block of peat. 

 Several plants may be produced from such a layer. All these 

 operations are best performed in late winter, before the new growth 

 begins. The tree ferns are rarely propagated to any extent in 

 cultivation, but young plants are imported from their native coun- 

 tries. 



Spores may be sown in February and March, or earlier, under 

 glass, in a warm propagating pit. Partly fill a suitable sized pot 

 or pan with coarse peat, giving plenty of drainage ; make the 

 surface level, and on this place f-inch cubes of well-seasoned peat 

 which is rather dry, watering the whole and scattering on the 

 spores evenly. Cover with a pane of glass, and place in a partial 

 shade. While the process which corresponds to germination is 

 going on, great care must be given to the water supply. This is 

 sometimes done by placing the pots or pans in a saucer, from which 



