Dreer's Autumn Catalogue, 1896. 



29 



FINE FERNS 



No collection of plants is 

 complete without Ferns. The 

 selection we offer embraces 

 the best varieties of this beau- 

 tiful class of plants, whose 

 diversity and gracefulness of 

 foliage make them peculiarly 

 fitted to combine with other 

 fine plants and flowers. 



The popularity of Ferns has f 

 increased wonderfully in the 

 past few years, and they are 

 now indispensable in all choice 

 floral decorations, and are 

 especially valued for ferneries, 

 for room and table decoration. 



Where there is moisture and 

 shade most of the varieties 

 succeed well when planted 

 out-of-doors; they delight in 

 in a light soil mixed with sand 

 and peat or leaf mould ; good 

 drainage must be provided, as 

 stagnant water is fatal to sue- ('■ 

 cess. /. 



Adiantum Cuiieatum. 



This is the popular Maiden- 

 Hair, a variety too well 

 known to require descrip- 

 tion. We offer fine plants 

 at 15, 25 and 50 cts. each. 



A. Decorum. A companion plant to A. Cuneatum, with 

 somewhat larger, heavier foliage of a bronze-green color. 

 15 and 25 cts. each. 



A. FarleyeilSC This grand variety is a queen among all 

 Ferns, and especially so among the Maiden-Hair varieties ; 

 it is not of quite as easy culture as the other varieties, but is 

 well worthy of the extra care or attention that it requires. 

 The foliage, which is larger than in most species, is disposed 

 of in large gracefully drooping fronds, which, in the young 

 state, assume the most varied and delicate bronzy hues, which, 

 when mature, assume a deep rich green ; the whole plant is 

 of the most graceful appearance. Fine plants, 50 cts. to §1 

 each; specimen plants, §1.50 to $2.00 each. 



Alsopllilla AllStralis. The most rapid growing of all 

 the tree-ferns. Of very easy culture. 25 cts. each. 



Cibotilini Sclliedei. A scarce and beautiful tree-fern, 

 that is rarely offered at popular prices. We have succeeded 

 in growing a fine large stock of this variety, which we offer 

 at 50 cts. and $1.00 each for fine, strong plants; specimens 

 at §2.50 to §5.00 each. 



Cyi'tomium Falcatlllll. One of the most useful varieties 

 for house culture, with large, glossy foliage, on which ac- 

 count it is commonly called Holly Fern. 15 and 25 cts. each. 



Davallia Stricta. One of the finest Ferns in cultiva- 

 tion, whether for growing as a decorative plant in the room 

 or planting out; the fronds are of strong texture and of a 

 beautiful shade of green. (See cut.) 25 and 50 cts. each. 



Davallia Fijiensis Plumosa. A charming evergreen 

 Fern, with gracefully arching fronds. 25 to 50 cts. each. 



Microlepia Hirta Cristata. One of the prettiest 

 house Ferns in cultivation, the foliage, which grows from 18 

 to 24 inches long, is of a light, pleasing green, gracefully 

 arching, the ends being divided into many-tasseled heads ; 

 exceedingly graceful. (See cut.) 25 cts. each. 



Neplirolepis Exaltata. This is the popular Boston 

 Sword Fern, the true long-leaved variety which is used so 

 extensively in the Eastern States ; a most useful house Fern. 

 25 and 50 cts. each. 



N. Davalleoides FurcailS. A beautiful and distinct 

 crested variety, with numerous arching fronds 3 to 4 feet 

 long. 50 cts. to $2.00 each. 



Microlepia Hirta Cristata. 



Pteris Argyrea. One of the most useful Ferns for all 



purposes ; large, bold foliage, with broad band of white 



through the center of each frond. 15 and 25 cts. each. 

 P. Cretica Albo Lineata. A pretty, dwarf, variagated 



variety. 15 cts. each. 

 P. Ouratlii. A strong-growing variety of a compact habit, 



with dark green fronds of easy culture. 15 to 25 cts. each. 

 P. Tremula. A well-known, strong-growing variety ; one 



of the very best for house culture. 15 to 25 cts. each. 

 P. Cretica Mayii. A beautiful dwarf-crested ortasseled form 



of Pteris Cretica Albo-lineata, showing the same variegations 



as that variety, but of dwarfer habit. 15 to 25 cts each. 

 Sitalobium Cicutarium. A fine variety of easy culture, 



producing large fronds; well adapted to decorative purposes. 



15 to 25 cts. each. 



Davallia Stricta. 



g@p I "'We will furnish one good, strong plant of each of the 

 $3.50. We will furnish 75 distinct varieties of Ferns, which w 



above 17 select varieties that will make a good show at once, for 

 ill make one of the most interesting collections, for $10. 



FERNS FOR JARDINIERES AND FERN = DISHES. 



We grow annually over a million of Ferns especially for this purpose, and can supply them in quantities of not less than 25 at 

 the rate of $8 per 100 for 2^-inch pots, or 810 per 100 for 3-inch pots, the selection of varieties bting left to us. 



See pages 44 and 45 for Bronze and Porcelain Fern Dishes. 



