24 



Spores. — Ferns, lycopodiums and selaginellas are often 

 grown from spores. Tlie general conditions adapted to the 

 germination of seeds are also suitable foi the germination tf 



spores,, but extra 

 y' care must be taken 



JggjL with the drainage. 

 ^_I1:^ F^ It a pot is used, it 

 '^f^^'^^^B^ should be half or 

 more filled with 

 ^ drainage material, 

 and the soil should 

 ^^ be rendered loose 

 '~L b\ the addition of 

 bits of brick, char- 

 ^ coal, cinders, or 

 - other porous ma- 

 - tcrials. The sur- 



^^ face soil should be 

 hne and uniform. 

 Some place a thin 

 layer of brick dust 

 upon the surface, 

 in which the spores are sown. It is a frequent practice to 

 bake the soil to destroy other spores which might cause 

 troublesome growths The spores should be sprinkled 

 upon the surface and sliould not be covered. The pot 

 sliould be set in a saucer ot water, or in damp moss, and 

 it should be covered by paper or a pane of glass if the 

 sun strikes it. Better results are oljtaintd if tlie pot or pau 

 is placed inside a propagating-frame or under a bell-glass. 

 In place of earth, a block or small cubes of firm peat or 

 sandstone may be employed. Tlie block is placed in a 

 saucer ot water and the spores are sown upon its surface. 

 Water should not be applied directly to the spores, as it 

 is apt to dislodge tliem. 



The period of germination varies in different species, but 

 three to six weeks may be considered the ordinary limits. 



iS. Seed-border. 



