Ferns and Fern Culture. 39 
just sufficient frequency to keep the foliage always 
damp. 
Tree-ferns are very tropical-looking, and so distinct 
that specimens should be in every collection. The 
Alsophilas, Cibotiums, Cyatheas, Dicksonias, and some 
Lomarias are comparatively hardy and easily managed. 
The stems should be frequently syringed or watered to 
keep them damp. They produce many roots from the 
bases of the fronds at the top of the stems, and when the 
stems are kept damp these roots work their way down 
to the soil, adding thickness to the stems and strength to 
the plant. If a thin layer of sphagnum moss be bound 
round the stems with fine copper wire, it will retain 
the moisture and preserve the roots in their downward 
course; besides, many seedling Ferns will come up on 
it, adding much to the appearance of the tree. If the 
smaller species of Davallias, such as bullata, dissecta, 
decora, Mariesii, also Anapeltis nitida, Drynaria pustu- 
lata, and other creeping Ferns, are planted at the base of 
each stem, they will creep up and clothe it with foliage in 
« very interesting manner. Brainea insignis, Lomaria 
gibba, and the miniature L. L’Herminierii, with some of 
the Alsophilas and other genera, should have a warm 
greenhouse temperature, or they will not grow satis- 
factorily. 
The Gold and Silver Ferns are not only interesting but 
exceedingly beautiful, The bright yellow, silvery white, 
or cream coloured, farinose powder more or less coating 
their fronds above and below, gives them a specially- 
attractive appearance. They are found in various 
climates, hence some require stove temperature, others 
warm greenhouse, while a few will do nicely in cool 
houses with a winter temperature of 35° to 40°. They 
belong to the genera Adiantum, Cheilanthes, Gymno- 
gramma, Nothochlcena, and Pellza. The tropical or 
stove species require a dry atmosphere, so if there is 
any part of the house dryer than another they should 
be placed there. They should have an abundance of 
light, their roots should never be allowed to become dry, 
and their foliage must never be wet, either by syringing, 
watering, or drip from the roof. 
