FOLIAGE PLANTS 



raised from seed which should be sown in the 

 spring. 



FERNS 



The fern is to-day rapidly superseding the 

 palm as a house plant. The rapidity of its 

 growth combined with its easy culture tend to 

 make it a great favorite. 



The best ferns for house culture are those of 

 the sword-fern or Nephrolepsis group. The 

 florists offer numerous attractive forms which 

 easily withstand the dry atmosphere of the liv- 

 ing-room. The first variety of the new class of 

 Nephrolepsis to be offered was the Boston fern 

 (N. exaltata bostoniensis.) This form has en- 

 tirely replaced the old, erect N. cordata or 

 sword-fern. The fronds of the Boston fern of- 

 ten attain a length of four to six feet and droop- 

 ing over the edge of the pot give to the plant a 

 very graceful and attractive appearance. (Fig. 

 i6.) 



The Scott fern (N. scotti) is a form of bos- 

 toniensis with shorter leaves and more compact 

 growth. It is found very useful where a more 

 erect form is desired. 



117 



