42 THE BOOK OF FERN CULTURE 



dried stable manure, is a compost in which they will 

 thrive. Some recommend peat, but if the loam is fibrous 

 it is not necessary. 



For the slender growing sorts good drainage should 

 be given. Some are semi-deciduous, and if the old 

 fronds are cut away just as the new ones begin to start 

 it will save much trouble later. This applies particu- 

 larly to Japonkum. The plants may be kept cool during 

 the winter, and when given a little warmth early in the 

 year they soon start to throw up young fronds from the 

 root-stocks. They should be kept fairly moist, other- 

 wise thrips may be troublesome. 



Stenochltena scandens. — This is a free-growing Fern with 

 rather large pinnate fronds produced on fleshy rhizomes 

 at some distance apart. Grown on a moist wall it is 

 very effective, and it is also a useful Fern for large 

 baskets. In large Fern Rockeries it may be planted at 

 the base, and will spread rapidly. It will not bear 

 exposure quite so well as some, but will grow in any 

 ordinary Fern compost. When growing freely they 

 will require regulating, and it may be necessary to fix 

 the rhizomes to the wall. For a large space, where the 

 wall has been covered with moss, etc., it makes a fine 

 show. 



Davallia aculeata may be included in the list, but it 

 requires some support, and it is rather difficult to grow 

 successfully. 



Davallia heterophylla may also be treated as a climbing 

 Fern, though it is more suited for covering tree seams, 

 under which mode it is referred to. 



