CHAPTER VI 

 Ferns in the Living Room During Winter 



The dry heat of our homes in winter is 

 not at all favourable for the growth of native 

 ferns, which by right should rest at least four 

 or five months of the year. A few species, 

 however, break the natural order of things 

 and may be kept growing indoors with fairly 

 good results. 



The cheerful little polypody is always 

 pleasant to look upon if one "sees through 

 and beyond." It is astonishing how this 

 rock-clinging species holds its own in any 

 situation. It is especially attractive grown in 

 birch-bark baskets accompanied by herb 

 Robert, with its happily contrasting foliage. 



In Plate 17 is a pretty specimen of ebony 

 spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuroii). As an 

 all-round fern this species takes prominent 

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