Ferns and Fern Culture. 71 
as it looks unsightly, but the foliage of evergreen kinds 
should not be cut off until it becomes discoloured, or is 
in the way of the development of new foliage. In the 
case of such as the Maiden Hair, where the new fronds 
are produced very thickly together, it is wise to remove 
the old just as the new ones begin to appear. If left on 
till the new growth is pretty well advanced, there will 
be more difficulty in removing them, and the new fronds 
might be damaged. But in the case of species producing 
only a few fronds in a season, and those at long inter- 
vals, the old foliage should be left until it becomes 
unsightly. As long asa frond is green it is of benefit to 
the plant, and every green frond cut off is a more or less 
severe Joss to it. 
MOISTURE IN THE ATMOSPHERE. 
This should always be maintained, especially during 
the growing season. It can best be done by sprinkling 
the paths, walls, and stages, or rockwork more or less 
freely with water. On hot dry days this will be most 
beneficial, not only to maintain the required dampness, 
but to keep down the temperature. In winter, when the 
fires are being pushed strongly to keep up the tempera- 
ture, the artificial heat will cause a dry, parched air, 
which must be remedied in the manner recommended. 
A dry atmosphere has not only a tendency to restrict 
development of foliage, but it encourages insect pests of 
various kinds ; yet the other extreme must be avoided. 
Too much moisture may cause the plants to damp off, 
and will thus prove an evil. Judgment must be exer- 
cised in order to obtain the condition most congenial to 
the plants by attention to temperature, light, shade, 
moisture, and ventilation, avoiding excess in everything. 
