Ferns in Pots. 29 



good handful of the smallest potsherds. Next spread 

 a thin layer of moss, then a thin layer of the rough 

 stuff, and then take the fern in the left hand and place 

 it with the crown in the centre, level with the rim of 

 the pot, and allow the roots to spread, so that when 

 earth is put upon them they will not be cramped up in 

 a bunch. Take the compost in the right hand, and 

 pour it in all round till the pot is full, and then with 

 the thumb of each hand press it down, turning the pot 

 round in so doing, adding more soil as required, so 

 that when finished there will be half an inch of space 

 between the soil and the top edge of the pot. There 

 is a golden rule for success in growing any kind of 

 plant in a pot, and it is to pot firm. Do not be afraid 

 to press the earth in round the roots, and give the pot 

 a tap on the board at the finishing touch ; when potted 

 loosely, no plant can thrive. 



Now, what are we to do with this dozen of ferns ? I 

 propose that we fit up a frame to face the north in some 

 quiet corner of the garden, and that we make no boast 

 about our ferns until they have had one year's growing 

 at least. We want a dry spot, rather sheltered j the 

 soil on which the frame is to stand should be covered 

 with coal ashes, and be easy of access at all seasons. 

 Suppose we have potted them from the 30th of March 

 to the 1st of May — ferns may be potted at any time, 

 but when they are just starting into new growth is the 

 best time — the next question is, "What shall we do with 

 them ? It is but little they require ; first place them 

 in the frame, next water them with a common watering- 

 pot with a fine rose on the spout. When you get used 



