1 8 THE BOOK OF FERN CULTURE 



yet there are more Ferns killed through keeping them 

 saturated with water than from any other cause. It may, 

 however, be pointed out that the opposite extreme may 

 prove equally fatal. Some species may get withered and 

 will revive again when watered, but there are others 

 which if once they wither, can never take up water 

 again. Todea arborea, Dicksonias and other Tree-ferns 

 are examples. The question is often asked, " How 

 frequently should they be watered ? " 



So much depends upon circumstances that it is impos- 

 sible to answer. By careful observation it will soon be 

 found easy to ascertain when water is required. One test 

 is by tapping the pots ; if they have a hollow sound water 

 is required. In most instances the surface of the soil will 

 indicate the condition ; there is as much difference as there 

 is in the roads when they are wet or dry. When water 

 is required sufficient should be given to penetrate 

 through. The temperature of water is a question on which 

 there is some difference of opinion. From experience I 

 should say that it is better to use it a little below the 

 temperature of the house than above it, except in the 

 spring when the plants are starting into active growth ; 

 and even then it should not be very much above the 

 house temperature. If at any time they are found to be 

 very dry, and the water does not penetrate freely, the 

 pots should be stood in water for a time. Dipping is 

 also the best means of properly wetting those grown in 

 suspended baskets. 



If saucers are used for standing the pots in, water 

 shouldnot be allowed to constantlyremaininthem. When 

 standing on a moist bottom it is far better not to use 

 saucers, except for those which take up large quantities of 

 water, or the extra large plants in small pots. For 

 established plants liquid manure may be used freely ; 

 that made from cow-dung and soot, if made some time 

 before required for use and allowed to settle down so 



