NEPHRODIUM. 



465 



full value, as may readily be observed by the thousands of different kinds 

 used for decorative purposes every season. Even the commonest of all, 

 N. molle, which for years was considered no better than a weed, has of late 

 sprung into commercial popularity : its rapid growth, and the handsome shape 

 which it assumes when properly cultivated, greatly contribute to make it 

 a most valuable addition to the already important list of decorative Ferns. 

 When specimens of this species are planted out on the rockery, where all 

 Nephrodiums seem to thrive, they soon become objects of great beauty ; but, 

 whether grown in that way or as pot plants, they require a richer soil than 

 most other Ferns. 



All the Nephrodiums thrive in a mixture of loam and peat, which, for 

 the most robust kinds, should be in about equal proportions, with a small 

 part of cow-manure previously dried and well mixed together, and an 

 additional sprinkling of silver sand ; for the smaller and consequently slower- 

 growing species, less loam and more sand should be used. 



Most ISTephr odiums, especially the strong-growing kinds, are quite 

 indifferent as to shading ; a little sunshine acts as a strengthening agent, 

 making their foliage much more lasting during the winter months than could 

 otherwise possibly be the case. They all require a good supply of water at 

 the roots all the year round, but principally during the growing season. 

 Although they do not actually suffer from occasional waterings overhead, it is 

 very doubtful if they derive any benefit therefrom : the foliage of many 

 kinds being of a soft texture, soon gets spotted and loses its beauty if allowed 

 to remain in a wet condition for any length of time. In any case, the plants 

 must not be kept close ; confinement in the case of ISTephrodiums means not 

 only an invasion of thrips, their greatest enemy, but also that brownness of 

 mature fronds which often puzzles the amateur grower, but which, by the 

 practical man, is never mistaken for insect depredations. The only way to 

 avoid such unhealthy appearances is to grow the plants in well-ventilated 

 houses, where moisture cannot condense on their foliage. 



Nephrodiums are easily and rapidly propagated by means of their spores, 

 which are abundantly produced and germinate very freely : the species provided 

 with creeping rhizomes may also be increased by the division of these organs, 

 which operation is most successfully performed during the months of March 

 and April. 



VOL. II. 2 H 



