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great complexity of the fronds renders them liable, on any 

 check, to "finish badly" — thai is to say, the tips ol the 



fronds perish before they arc fully expanded, tlms greatly 

 detracting from their symmetry and beauty. The more 

 dense forms, if growD in a close atmosphere, arc liable to a 

 kind of rust or fungoid disease which is fatal to 1 heir beauty 



and health and may even dost my life if not speedily checked. 



These troubles can, however, be overcome by a skilful 

 cultivator, and beautiful specimens can be grown in pots 



even in a moderately smoky town if c^ue he taken to avoid 

 checks to growth and to maintain good ventilation. The 

 secrets of success are — 



(i.) A good soil to promote healthy root action. 



(ii.) The avoidance alike of a pot-bound state and of a 

 sodden condition the result of over-potting. 



(iii .) An abundant supply of water with efficient drainage. 



(iv.j Good ventilation. 



(v.) Freedom from vermin. 



If the glass fernery be where the morning sun can strike 

 the plants or even the roof it is important that the ventila- 

 tors be opened before the sun rises. The sun shining upon 

 the uncurling fronds while they are wet with dew in a close 

 atmosphere is fatal to the perfect development of the tips. 

 It is best to leave the ventilators open all night in warm 

 weather. Jf rust should appear upon the fronds the plants 

 should be at once moved into I he open air in a well-sheltered 



situation, which measure will speedily check its mischievous 



progress. The plants are worthy of all the care that can be 



devoted to them to ensure their perfect development, and 



unless this end can be secured the cultivator fails to obtain 

 any just idea of their real beauty. 



K. W. S. 



