Ferns and Fern Culture. 83 
drainage at the bottom, two or three inches of bog 
broken small, a layer of compost like that used for the 
generality of Ferns, and on this a layer of soil which has 
been scalded or burned to destroy all germs of vegetable 
life which might be in it. As some spores germinate 
better on one substance than another it is well to vary 
the surface layer. In one pot it may be compost as 
mentioned above; in another, bits of brick or sandstone 
broken small; in another, small pieces of peat; and in 
another, loam in little lumps the size of a pea. Those 
who are not successful with one medium should try 
others for special kinds. The last layer should be about 
an inch from the top of the pot, and when this is in place 
the whole should be well watered. The spores must then 
be scattered very thinly over the surface. The sowing 
should be done in a perfectly still atmosphere, as the 
slightest draught will send the spores flying about the 
place. 
The pots should have pieces of glass put over them as 
soon as each one issown. These should be kept on con- 
tinually to prevent the spores of other kinds getting in, 
and also to keep a close moist atmosphere about the 
spores. This helps them to germinate and grow more 
freely afterwards. A dry atmosphere retards growth 
and sometimes prevents it altogether. 
The pots should be placed in saucers containing water. 
This will rise up the compost and keepitdamp. Should 
it be necessary at any time to give water in any other 
way, it should be done by holding the pot in a pail of 
water, so that it may soak up and saturate the whole. 
The spores must not be watered overhead, as they would 
be disturbed and washed out of their places. 
The pots containing spores of Exotic Ferns should be 
placed in a light position and in a temperature of 70°. 
Many will germinate in a considerably lower tempera- 
ture, but they will be longer in developing. 
Hardy Ferns may be sown in ordinary greenhouse 
temperature or in a frame, but in the latter they are 
slower in developing than when in a higher temperature. 
Spores vary greatly in the time they take to commence 
growth. Some germinate in a day or two, others are 
