FERNS — FREESIA — FUCHSIA 373 



Several species of pteris, especially P. serrvlata, are valuable house 

 ferns, but require a warmer place than those mentioned above. They 

 "will also thrive better in a shady or ill-lighted corner. 



Perfect drainage and care in watering have more to do with the 

 successful growing of ferns than any special mixture of soils. If the 

 drainage material in the bottom of the pot or box is sufficient, there is 

 little danger of overwatering; but water-logged soil is always to be 

 avoided. Do not use clay soils. Ferns need protection from the 

 direct sunshine, and also a moist atmosphere. They thrive well in 

 a close glass box, or window-garden, if the conditions can be kept 

 equable. 



Freesia. — One of the best and most easily handled tender winter- 

 flowering bulbs; height 12 or 15 inches. The white form {Freesia 

 refracta alba) is the best. 



The white or yellowish bell-shaped flowers of freesia are produced 

 on slender stalks just above the foliage, to the number of six to eight 

 in a cluster. They are very fragrant, and last for a considerable time 

 when picked. The bulbs are small, and look as though they could not 

 produce a growth of foliage and flowers, but even the smallest mature 

 bulb will prove satisfactory. Several bulbs should be planted to- 

 gether in a pot, box, or pan, in October, if wanted for the holidays, or 

 later if wanted at Easter. The plants bloom from ten to twelve weeks 

 from planting, under ordinary care. 



No special treatment is required; keep the plants cool and moist 

 through the growing season. The soil should contain a Uttle sand 

 mixed with fibrous loam, and the pot should be well drained. After 

 flowering, gradually withhold water and the tops wiU die down, after 

 which the roots may be shaken out and rested imtil time to plant in 

 fall. Care should be taken to keep them perfectly dry. 



The bulbs increase rapidly from .offsets. Plants may also be grown 

 from seed, which should be sown as soon as ripe, giving blooming plants 

 the second or third year. 



Fuchsia. — Well-known window or greenhouse shrub, treated as 

 an herbaceous subject; many interesting forms; late winter, spring 

 and summer. 



