ON FERNS. 



537 



Soil. — The soil used for planting the exotic fernery should 

 be of a specially rough and open nature, and a mixture of fibrous 

 loam, leaf-mould, and sand in equal proportions will be found to 

 suit the majority of Ferns, whether for the greenhouse or for 

 the warm fernery. Where, however, Gymnogrammes, Gleichenias, 

 Cheilanthes, Pellseas, Platyceriums, Nothochlsenas, and a few- 

 other kinds are to be planted, it will be best to add one part of 

 peat to the above-named compost. Plants belonging to such 



Fig. 338. — Stenochi^ena scandens. 



genera as Davallia, Nephrolepis, Stenochlcena (S. scandens, 

 Fig. 338), and Polypodium, whose rhizomes soon take possession 

 of the outer surface of the soil, are recommended as being 

 especially adapted for planting on mounds, which rapidly 

 become covered with foliage, all the more luxuriant in that the 

 plants have more room allowed for the extension of the rhizomes 

 with which they are provided. These organs, in most cases, 

 require to be kept on the surface of the ground, to which they 

 should be fastened with wooden pegs at the time of planting ; 

 but, as the plants become established, the necessity for pegs 

 will soon be dispensed with. 



