FERNS FOK WINDOW BOXES 61 



of leaves and the running water from the higher ground, 

 and here occurs one point which applies equally to many 

 Ferns, that is, though thriving in moisture, they do not 

 like stagnation ; and in regard to those planted in window 

 boxes, water should be given very liberally, so that it 

 passes through, and to some extent cleanses the soil, and 

 then no more should be given until it is getting dry again. 

 Here it requires some discretion, but the most ordinary 

 observer can tell if a plant is withering or the soil is 

 getting too dry; and the great secret of success is to 

 avoid continual saturation of the soil, and at the same 

 time see that it does not get too dry, yet of the two it 

 would be of less harm to Ferns for the soil to get too 

 dry than to be always soaked with water. 



When once established, the same plants would do 

 service for several years. A little of the top surface of 

 the soil might be removed annually and replaced with 

 some fresh, which might have a little of any of the 

 ordinary artificial fertilisers added to it, but avoid the 

 strong fish manure ; natural guano is perhaps the best to 

 recommend. Coming to this reminds me of an incident 

 in my earliest experience of Fern growing. I had argued 

 that, under natural conditions, Ferns received much 

 manure from birds and animals, and, by way of experi- 

 ment, started using guano on a small batch, with the 

 result that its effects were soon seen. It depends much 

 on the time the manure is used. Never give it when 

 the plants first become dormant ; but use it just before, 

 and while the plants are in active growth. Also avoid 

 using it until the roots are well established in the new 

 soil, especially when using it as a liquid, for nothing 

 sours soil so soon as liquid manure when there are no 

 roots to take it up. While being a strong advocate for 

 manure, I would say that, like all other good things, it 

 does harm if used in excess. 



