10 Ferns and Fern Culture. 
mountain sides, in crevices of rocks, in old walls, bridges, 
and buildings, where it would appear impossible for 
moisture to penetrate, and where apparently there is no 
food for the roots to absorb. They flourish on the banks 
‘of streams, and in boggy ground; they creep over rocks, 
up tree stems, along the branches, clothing the trees as 
completely as ivy often does in this country. Some are 
so small that their fronds are only about half an inch in 
length ; others are from 15ft. to 20ft. Some have stems, 
and grow like trees to a height of 40ft. to 50ft. Others 
have slender wire-like fronds, which grow many yards in 
length, twining round other plants, and climbing to the 
tops of tall trees, Indeed, among Ferns, there is every 
conceivable kind of growth; they grow in all sorts of 
places, differing entirely in their habits and require- 
ments. Yet, with all this natural diversity, there are no 
other plants so easily managed. 
While it is necessary to have a knowledge of the 
requirements of each kind in order to attain the highest 
degree of perfection in their cultivation, and while even 
with this there may be found now and again a difficult 
subject to manage, yet the whole family can be satisfac- 
torily cultivated by attention to a few general rules. 
RULES FOR FERN CULTURE. 
These may be summarised thus: The right kind of soil 
must be provided; the plants must be potted or planted 
in a proper manner; they must be watered carefully; 
they must be kept at a certain temperature during 
winter and summer, according to that of the places of 
which they are natives; they should have a moist, quiet 
atmosphere, free from either cold draughts or currents 
of hot dry air; and they must have sufficient light at all 
times, with protection from scorching sun during summer 
This may appear. a formidable array of requirements, 
but it is surprising how easily they may be supplied; 
besides, the Ferns are usually so accommodating that if 
they do not get all they want they make the best of that 
with which they are supplied, and therefore no one need 
be afraid of attempting their cultivation. It is a most 
fascinating occupation, and those who begin with a few 
