HARDY FERNS FOR INDOOR CULTURE 71 



flow of water which may be drained off". It 

 is well to have the sheet of moss large enough 

 to turn over and pin down over the fern roots ; 

 this gives a neat finish and prevents too rapid 

 evaporation. 



TRIMMINGS FOR FERN DISHES 



A most effective finish for the fern dish is 

 the so-called "gray moss," or even a fluted 

 gray lichen. The stiff growth becomes pli- 

 able when wet and is then easily adjusted. 

 Just enough should be broken away to allow 

 the fronds to push through without damaging 

 the tender crosiers. This combination of 

 green and gray is very lovely. 



In a large jar for ferns, fully a third of the 

 contents should consist of broken porous 

 material with several inches of moss above. 

 Light soil only should be used ; often enough is 

 taken up with the ferns to sustain life indoors 

 for months. 



Old-fashioned goblets or tumblers are 

 especially dainty fern holders. Empty shells 



