FERNS 151 



The best soil for Ferns is one of leaf mold and 

 sand. But any light, spongy soil made porous and 

 friable with sharp sand will do very well for most 

 varieties. It should have sponginess enough to prevent 

 it from becoming hard and compact. Turfy matter, 

 such as has been spoken of in the chapter on soils, will 

 supply this quality if leaf mold is not obtainable. 



The species and varieties described below will be 

 found especially desirable for the window garden. 



AJsophila Austmlis — One of the noblest tree 

 Ferns, beautiful in all stages of growth. The fronds 

 spread out from an upright trunk, curving gracefully, 

 and showing delicate contrasts of dark and glaucous 

 green. Care must be taken to supply water liberally. 



Cihotium Schiedei — Another fine tree Fern, with 

 broad, finely cut foliage. One of the most graceful of 

 large-growing Ferns, particularly well adapted to 

 house culture. It is an old species, but very rare, 

 because of the slowness and difficulty with which it 

 is propagated. The person who is willing to give 

 proper care to his or her plants will find this Fern a 

 most desirable one to invest in. 



Cyrtomium falcatnm — The Holly Fern. A charm- 

 ing sort for house culture. Foliage rich dark green, 

 with a shining luster, as if varnished. Excellent for 

 table decoration, while young. A very distinct Fern. 



Davallia stricta — One of the old "standbys." 

 This belongs to the class of Hare-foot Ferns, so called, 

 because they spread by creeping rhizomes which are 

 supposed to have some resemblance to a hare's foot. 

 The foliage is lace-like in its beauty and the habit of 

 growth very graceful. One of the best for general 

 cultivation. 



Nephrolepsis cordata compacta — A very desir- 

 able variety of the Sword Fern genus, because of its 

 strong growing compact habit. Will succeed perfectly 



