CULTURAL DIRECTIONS. 



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pockets, however, are not intended for Fern-planting ; they have been 

 designed for the convenience of placing in them Orchids, which remain there 

 during the whole time they are in flower. The effect thus produced is really 

 charming, for the lovely colours of the Orchid flowers show themselves off 

 to much better advantage when contrasting with the foliage of the Ferns 

 with which they are surrounded than under any other condition. This unique 

 structure also illustrates to perfection the truth of our assertion as regards 

 light and air being natural agents most required for the well-being of 

 Ferns, as the house is square in shape, with light all round as well as above, 

 and sufficiently ventilated to ensure the lasting of the Orchid flowers. It may 

 be added that, on account of plants in flower always being present in the 

 house, no syringing overhead is ever done, the moisture arising only from 

 the water poured on the walks and other surfaces devoid of vegetation. 

 Yet in such places all the Ferns are growing well. A selection has naturally 

 been made mostly from amongst the Indian and South American species, and, 

 these having been planted in places most appropriate to their requirements, 

 the effect produced is excellent, and all subjects give the greatest satisfaction. 

 There we observe, by the side of the pale pea-green colour of the fronds of 

 Davallia (Microlepia) hirta cristata, whose heavy tassels, produced at the 

 extremity of each division, give an additional grace to a plant which is 

 naturally elegant, the beautifullj^ and richly coloured foliage of Davallia 

 divaricata (D. jjolyantha of commerce), whose gigantic yet finely-divided 

 fronds, first of a bright claret-colour, changing to crimson-purple, and turning 

 later on to a bronzy-metallic tint, finally assume a deep green colour, 

 which they retain for months, and as long as they remain on the plant. In 

 such a place one would naturally expect to see Adiantums doing well ; and 

 the contrast produced by the gorgeously- coloured fronds of A. macrophyllum, 

 A. rubellum, A. tenerum Farleyense, A. tetraphyllum Hendersoni, A. Veitchianum, 

 and other species with tinted foliage, too numerous to be mentioned 

 here, with the darker hues of the fronds of such kinds as A. curvatum, A. 

 trapeziforme pentadactylon, and A. t. Sanctce-Catharince, and the light green 

 tints of A. cemulum, A. fragrantissimum, A. Moorei {rimabile), A. polypliyllum 

 (cardiochlama), &c, proves unmistakably that the treatment they receive is 

 that which suits them best. The several species and varieties of Gymnogramme, 

 and notably the prettily -crested G. Parsonsii, the Cheilanthes, and the 



