CHAPTER VI 



Specimen Ferns 



The very large specimens of various kinds of plants 

 which were such a feature at our Flower Shows in 

 years gone by, are now almost things of the past. It is 

 true that we see some large Palms and occasionally 

 large tree Ferns, yet the general exhibits consist of 

 collections of smaller plants or in some cases medium 

 sized specimens. In some shows where prizes are 

 offered for Ferns, the size of the pots is limited to eight 

 inches. And a larger number of fresh, healthy plants in 

 this size is certainly more interesting than the immense 

 specimens of former years ; the smaller specimens are 

 also much more serviceable at home, that is, for most 

 growers. There is a wide range to select from for 

 plants suitable for the specimens in eight inch pots, and as 

 in most schedules it states Stove and Greenhouse Ferns 

 some of each should always be included. From the 

 following there will be no difficulty in making up any 

 number from six to twenty-four good specimens. 



Adiantium Farleyense. — A good plant of this always 

 counts, and grown on freely, it is seen at its best when 

 well established as a medium specimen, though it has 

 been grown in very large pots making fronds over three 

 feet high. A. polyphyllum, perhaps better known as 

 cardiochlana, has fronds of a soft green hue with a rosy 

 tint when young ; this contrasts well with A. trapeziforme, 

 which is of a darker hue. A. pentadactylon, which is a 

 slight variation of the above, has fronds of an even 



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