Ferns and Fern Culture. 69 
ledge of the proper way can be obtained only by experi- 
ence, but a little care in following certain rules will enable 
the merest novice to steer clear of many dangers. 
The soil in which Ferns are growing should always be 
kept damp, but not in so thoroughly a wet condition as 
to make it sodden. If it becomes very dry the plant 
droops, shrivels, and sometimes dies ; if it is always very 
wet it soon becomes sour. 
Plants should be examined every day; in the morning 
during winter, in the afternoon or evening during sum- 
mer. Some plants will require water one day, others the 
next. Whenever a Fern is becoming dry it should be 
well watered, and not again until it requiresit. Itisa 
bad practice to water plants when it is not necessary ; 
it is also a bad plan to give only a little at a time, as by 
that means the surface appears damp while at the roots 
the soil is often dust dry. If the pot receives a sharp rap 
the sound will at once indicate the condition of the soil. 
If it be a ringing sound like that of a bell the plant should 
have water, if it be dull and heavy, water is not needed. 
If the plant does not actually require water at the usual 
time of watering one day, but appears likely to become 
dry before the ordinary time next day, it should be 
watered in a few hours, out of the usual course. If this is 
not practicable it will be better to water at once than run 
any risk of its suffering in the interval. The water given 
should be of the same temperature as the atmosphere of 
the house, or, at least, it should have the chill taken off. 
Watering Ferns under glass by means of a hose-pipe 
attached to a cold water tap cannot be too strongly con- 
demned. The water being colder than the air chills the 
plants, many receive water when they do not require it, 
and others may be missed; the foliage becomes drenched, 
and a state of sickness soon ensues. All Ferns, except 
Filmies, should have their foliage kept dry, and should 
neither be watered overhead nor syringed. The foliage 
so treated soon becomes discoloured, and dies, or it has 
to be removed because of its objectionable appearance. 
This is a direct injury to the plant. | 
‘Sometimes, to save trouble or to cause a pretty (?) effect, 
perforated pipes are laid round the fernery, so that by 
