24 



Spores. — Ferns, lycopodiums and selaginellas are often 

 grown from spores. The general conditions adapted to the 

 germination of seeds are also suitable for the germination of 



spores , but extra 

 care must be taken 

 B with the drainage. 

 ^^ If a pot is used, it 

 should be half or 

 more filled with 

 drainage material, 

 and the soil should 

 be rendered loose 

 by the addition of 

 bits of brick, char- 

 coal, cinders, or 

 other porous ma- 

 terials. The sur- 

 face soil should be 

 fine and uniform. 

 Some place a thin 

 layer of brick dust 

 upon the surface, 

 in which the spores are sown. It is a frequent practice to 

 bake the soil to destroy other spores which might cause 

 troublesome growths. The spores should be sprinkled 

 upon the surface and should not be covered. The pot 

 should be set in a saucer of water, or in damp moss, and 

 it should be covered by paper or a pane of glass if the 

 sun strikes it. Better results are obtained if the pot or pan 

 is placed inside a propagating-frame or under a bell-glass. 

 In place of earth, a block or small cubes of firm peat or 

 sandstone may be employed. The block is placed in a 

 saucer of water and the spores are sown upon its surface. 

 Water should not be applied directly to the spores, as it 

 is apt to dislodge them. 



The period of germination varies in different species, but 

 three to six weeks may be considered the ordinary limits. 



i3. Seed-border. 



