THE PARLOR 



that no heavy soil, likely to become compact 

 under the application of water, should be 

 used. Put about an inch of charcoal in the 

 bottom of the pan to act as drainage, and help 

 to keep the soil sweet. Over this spread the 

 soil to the depth allowable by the size of the 

 pan, heaping it somewhat in the center. Into 

 this set whatever plant you have selected for 

 the center, and plant bits of Lycopodium, with 

 tiny roots attached, about it. These can be 

 secured by breaking apart an old plant. They 

 will soon begin to grow, and in a short time 

 the soil will be entirely covered with a network 

 of green, vine-like branches, quite as dainty 

 and delicate as those of the rarest Fern. While 

 Lycopodiums are not Ferns, they have many 

 of their peculiarities, and are quite as attract- 

 ive, on a small scale. 



Small Palms, like Cocos Weddeliana, will 

 flourish in the fernery. So will some of the 

 Begonias, like Weltoniensis and Washing- 

 toniana, and fine specimens of the Rex section 

 can be grown there if not kept too moist at the 

 roots. Among the Maidenhair Ferns, cunea- 

 tum will be found most useful. Ferns having 

 long and spreading fronds, like those of the 

 Nephrolepis and Pteris class, soon become too 



294 



