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THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. 



the fronds of certain species, or by the development of the latent eyes found 

 at the base of some of the others, &c, all of which we intend brmging 

 into notice later on. 



As with regard to flowering plants propagation is effected by means of 

 seeds, the most natural, as also the quickest, way of reproduction in Ferns is by 

 means of their spores. It is most important that these should be gathered at 

 the proper time — that is to say, when the sori begin to turn brown ; the spore - 

 bearing fronds should then be cut, and be allowed to dry for two or three days 

 in paper bags, after which time the spores should be sown as soon as possible. 

 To attain a satisfactory result, it is necessary that the spore-bearing fronds of 

 the required species should be frequently examined, for, notwithstanding the 

 accuracy of the instance of the Victoria Lady Fern given by Mr. Druery, in 

 which case spores in enormous quantities had been found in completely 

 withered fronds, it must be borne in mind that many species shed their spores 

 entirely, and that to wait until the reproductive organs have assumed a uniform 

 brown appearance is to ensure the gathering of perfectly empty capsules. 

 This is particularly the case with regard to Osmunda, Todea, and a few 

 other genera, the spores of which are all scattered to the winds by the time 

 that the sori are discoloured. Hence the majority of failures experienced by 

 persons who frequently complain that " although the spores sown were of a 

 beautiful brown colour, and great attention was paid to them, the results are 

 anything but satisfactory." 



Having secured spores in good condition, the next points of importance 

 are when and how to sow them. Although Ferns may be sown at any time 

 of the year, the early spring (March and April) is the most favourable time 

 for sowing most species, as, if properly treated, seedlings, or at least the greatest 

 part of them, raised then have sufficient time to form crowns strong enough 

 to stand the following winter. When sown later, although the spores come 

 up equally well, there is the risk of the young plants produced being destroyed 

 during the winter months, especially if there should happen to be heavy fogs, 

 which invariably have a most disastrous effect upon them. It may be safely 

 stated that, generally speaking, the sooner spores are sown after gathering, 

 the more readily they germinate ; but those which naturally ripen during the 

 autumn or winter months, if collected and kept in paper, in a dry but not 

 warm place, may safely be preserved until the spring, when it will be found 



