152 



THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. 



the result of such treatment. Attention has already been called to the necessity 

 of providing efficient ventilation, as also to the satisfactory condition resulting 

 from the influence of light : now the heating of the warm Fernery is of quite 

 as much consequence, and should be studied most carefully. In the first 

 instance, it is of the utmost importance that no Ferns whatever should be 

 placed in close proximity to the hot-water pipes. The latter should be so 

 disposed as to be completely hidden from view by the rockwork, and air-shafts 

 should be so managed that the heat generated by the pipes may not come in 

 direct contact with the plants, but be diffused in the house by passing through 

 and at the back of the rockwork. Tropical Ferns may be said to have a 

 period of active growth extending from March to September, and during that 

 time all possible advantage should be taken of natural heat, which, even when 

 somewhat strong, is not hurtful. The damage is generally done by the use 

 of artificial heat, which should not be resorted to so long as the night 

 temperature of the house does not fall below 60deg. ; the solar heat may, 

 without inconvenience to the plants, raise it to 75deg., or even 80deg., during 

 the day. During the period of rest, from September to March, a minimum 

 night temperature of 50cleg. to 55cleg. is all that is required, and it need not 

 then be much higher during the day until vegetation commences, when it 

 should be gradually raised to the above-named minimum point. 



A much greater number of Ferns than is generally supposed thrive as 

 well in the cool as in the warm Fernery : their growth, however, is not so 

 rapid, although with time they make quite as pretty specimens. It is, indeed, 

 questionable if the cool Fernery is not the more enjoyable of the two, for, 

 when tastefully arranged, nothing can be more interesting, or give greater 

 satisfaction, than such a structure leading from the conservatory ; and what 

 renders it still pleasanter is that a more genial and altogether more comfortable 

 temperature may, and should, be maintained in it all through the year. The 

 temperature of the cool Fernery need not at any time exceed 55deg. to 

 60deg., and it will be found best to keep it at a minimum of from 45deg. to 

 oOdeg. during the winter months. It is really surprising to note the number 

 of otherwise really handsome Ferns which, on account of their deciduous 

 character only, have been gradually withdrawn from cultivation, and are now 

 too seldom seen in any collection ; yet collections of Caladiums, Gloxinias, 

 Begonias, and other equally deciduous plants, which are at rest for fully six 



