40 Milady's House Plants 



constituents. Much effort has been made lately to 

 trace the origin of this plant. It is conceded that in 

 Dorchester, Mass., some thirty years ago, the now 

 recognized Boston Fern was discovered in a collec- 

 tion of Nephrolepis belonging to a Mr. Foster, a 

 florist there. A beautiful thing it is, with its wealth 

 of arching fronds that in time become drooping, 

 fitting itself into almost any required position, but 

 at its best standing alone on a small table in a bay 

 window or in a hanging pot in a similar place. 



Natural Abode oj Ferns 



Nearly all ferns in their natural state are woodsie 

 plants. They enjoy the shelter of the trees from 

 excessive sunlight and wind and their roots feed on 

 the decaying leafmold at the base. These roots grow 

 quite near the surface and although the atmosphere 

 and soil are moist all the time, the presence of deep 

 and stagnant water is an abomination to them. These 

 facts are of value as pointing us to a reasonable 

 method of cultivating ferns in the house. 



Responsive to Good Treatment 



In all these respects the Boston Fern is as sensi- 

 tive to abuse as any and on the other hand responds 

 to good treatment in a most grateful and gratifying 

 way. Its chief enemy is the deadly jardiniere. Being 

 considered a piece of furniture and occupying a 

 prominent position, it is required to be dressed up 

 and so its troubles begin. Few people have the time 

 or patience to operate a jardiniere successfully. 

 Sooner or later the necessary frequent examinations 



