2 THE BOOK OF FERN CULTURE 



it has been found that Ferns may be grown well and 

 much more economically than they were under the older 

 methods of treatment. And it is hoped that the result 

 of this experience may prove of use to others. 



No attempt has been made to deal with scientific 

 principles or botanical accuracies. The author believes 

 that the names which have been so long in use, and 

 which still appear in catalogues, will be of more assis- 

 tance in practice than the strictly botanical nomenclature. 

 Taking as an instance the British Lady Fern, it may be 

 quite correct to put it with the Aspleniums, yet it will 

 long be known as Athyrium. Davallia Mooreana has 

 been known for many years, and now there are few 

 outside those who study botany who would know that 

 it should be named D. pallida. Stenochlana scandens 

 became popular under this name some years ago ; now 

 it is named Acrostichum scandens. Other examples might 

 be given, but the above will be sufficient to show 

 the difficulty of combining the scientific with the prac- 

 tical. In dealing with Ferns, as with other plants which 

 come under cultivation, it is not always advisable to try 

 to follow natural conditions too closely. Yet there are 

 some points which are essential. Take, for instance, the 

 native and other hardy Ferns. They mostly grow in the 

 shade of deciduous trees which come into leaf late in 

 the Spring, after the Ferns have made a good start. 

 When the leaves fall in the Autumn, day-light is again 

 let in, while the leaves, grasses, etc., that have 

 grown up around the Ferns all give some protection 

 during the Winter, and when further decayed these 

 accumulations afford new surface matter for the roots. 

 Now, in what may be termed a neat garden, all these 

 accessories are removed, and the Ferns suffer in conse- 

 quence. This is one great reason why the hardy Ferns 

 are not more popular. Many Ferns which are found 

 growing in leafy or peat soil are equally at home and do 



