FERNS— STOVE AND GREENHOUSE. 



583 



also. Some genera — for instance, Nothochlama, 

 Cheilanthes, and Gleichenia — are benefited by 

 the drier air afforded by a rather sunny aspect. 

 Filmy Ferns are happiest in a case with sliding 

 lights in front, and fixed in the darkest and 

 moistest corner of the house. 



As much of the basement of the house as 

 possible should be plain earth, covered with 

 shell-gravel or shingle; quickly - drying walks 

 formed of cement or hard tile being less suit- 

 able. Small rockeries under the staging, beside 



the walks, and in spare corners, afford suitable 

 conditions for some sorts, and they add a 

 pleasing feature to the general effect. 



Heeding. — This should be done where possible 

 by a sufficient quantity of 4-in. piping to ensure 

 the keeping up of a uniform temperature of 

 from 60° to 70° Fahr. In summer the heat 

 outside would often cause the maximum named 

 to be exceeded, and in winter the house may 

 at times fall a few degrees lower, but it is best 

 to be able to maintain the temperature stated, 



Fig. 711.— Fernery in Greenhouse. 



or a little more if necessary. It should also be 

 observed that the temperature of the house at 

 night should always be at least 5° to 10° lower 

 than during the day. 



Shading. — Thin canvas roller-blinds, running 

 over supports which keep the canvas a few 

 inches above the glass, form the best kind of 

 roof-shading; or, tjie canvas can be nailed on 

 for the summer, or a stipple put on the glass. 

 Permanent shading should, however, be avoided 

 if possible. 



Ventilation. — This should be afforded at all 

 seasons in such a way as to keep the atmos- 

 phere sweet without making it too dry. Ferns 

 require pure air as much as other plants; the 

 necessary humidity must be supplied by dis- 

 tributing water on the floors and beneath the 

 stages. Ventilate the house at night as well 

 as by day, regulating the ventilators by the 

 conditions out of doors and by the peculiarities 

 of the house. 



Watering. — Ferns should never be allowed to 

 get quite dry. The cultivator should be able 

 to tell at once whether a plant is in active 

 growth, or whether its growth is finished and 

 its fronds hard and mature. It wants less 

 water when in the latter state than it does 

 whilst in active growth. At the same time no 

 Fern should be kept constantly saturated ; they 

 are happiest when they are allowed the alter- 

 nations between wetness and drought that are 

 congenial to all plants grown under artificial 

 conditions. 



Soil. — Good fibrous yellow loam is the best 

 soil for Ferns; peat and sand, formerly so 

 largely used, being unnecessary for many 

 species. Where, however, loam of the proper 

 quality cannot be obtained, it is best to add 

 one part peat, one of sharp sand, and one of 

 good leaf-mould to three of loam. This will 

 suit most Ferns. A smaller proportion of peat, 

 sand, and leaf-mould may be added to the loam 



