62 



OAK FERN. 



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This is an extremely beautiful fern in cultivation, and flou- 

 rishes on rock-work if supplied with a light and moist soil, 

 which its stolon-like rhizomes can readily penetrate : this 

 should be composed of bog-earth, leaf-mould and sand, without 

 any admixture of loam. Exposure to the sun rapidly changes 

 the colour of the leaves to a sickly yellow -green, and causes 

 the divisions to assume a convolute form ; but, if shaded by 

 trees, which can readily be accomplished, a patch of the most 

 exquisitely delicate and lovely green may be preserved through- 

 out the summer months ; for the production of young fronds 

 continues up to the end of September. In flower-pots it is not 

 so readily cultivated as in the open air : but still, where pure 

 air is unattainable, as in our London gardens, it may be ma- 

 naged by paying attentioir to the composition of the soil and 

 the supply of moisture. 



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