Ferns and Fern Culture. 27 
being blown about. All sticks, pieces of wood, and other 
foreign substances, should be thrown out, and the leaf 
soil kept pure. 
PEAT, 
At one time peat was considered to be the one necessary 
and all-sufficient material for Ferns, but observation and 
experience are convincing many that it is not of such 
paramount importance. The value of leaf mould is now 
generally acknowledged, for most species will grow 
equally well in it, and in some cases better than in peat. 
On the other hand, it must be conceded that some species 
are naturally bog or marsh plants, and these should have 
a special supply of peat. 
There are different qualities of peat. The common 
bog found in many parts will do for Ferns planted out of 
doors, but for those indoors, whether in pots or rock- 
work, the peat should be of a different kind. That 
already mentioned is almost entirely decayed moss, with 
very little fibre if any. The best is that commonly 
known as orchid peat, containing sand, fibre, and fern 
roots. This, while it will hold moisture, also contains 
nutritive matter not found in the other, neither is it of 
so spongy a nature, but is more solid, has more substance, 
and is admirable as a constituent in fern compost. It 
is found in the South of England, especially in Kent and 
Hampshire, though here and there in the more northern 
parts of the country a good quality is also obtainable. 
SAND. 
The coarse silver sand found in Bedfordshire is the 
best; itis clean, sharp, and serves the purpose intended 
better than any other. Sand is used to keep the compost 
open, and to facilitate the passage of all surplus water 
through the soil. Silver sand, although the best, is not 
indispensable. Any clean, sharp sand will do as an 
inferior substitute. Clean, coarse, river sand is very 
good, and for the more robust free-growing Ferns suit- 
able sand may often be procured at building excavations. 
If not sufficiently clean and sharp it may be washed, and 
when dry it will be much improved. 
