128 FERNS 



best if sand or disintegrated limestone is 

 mixed with upland mould. 



Clean foliage is imperative. If frequent 

 showering is not convenient, as it rarely is 

 with plants of much size, the most delicate 

 are never injured by a feather duster, for 

 ferns, like people, must breathe. 



PESTS OF INDOOR FERNS 



Fern pests, alas! are many, not in kind 

 but quantity. Even the Boston fern (Neph- 

 rolepis) may be covered with the insidious 

 scale before we dream that aught can ail it. 

 No easy method is known of getting rid of 

 this nonshakable encumbrance. Hand pick- 

 ing is neither pleasant nor very effective. 

 Scraping or rubbing off with a stiff brush 

 dipped in whale-oil suds or a kerosene emulsion 

 is much better. Adiantums are especially sub- 

 ject to this pest and should be watched closely, 

 and affected fronds removed in an early stage. 

 If a glistening, sticky substance is seen, be* 

 ware, for it is but the prelude of danger ahead. 



