9 2 



FERNS. 



habiting humid regions, sometimes growing parasit- 

 ically on trees, and includes many curious and in- 

 teresting varieties, from the slight feathery native 

 of New England to the monster tree-fern of the 

 tropics. It is supposed this was among the earliest 

 forms of vegetable life, and that in the far distant 

 past fern-forests covered the earth. 



For house cultivation most ferns need the protec- 

 tion of a Fernery or Wardian case, though a few 

 succeed well without it, and produce a fine effect 

 with but little attention. Their pleasing symmetry 

 of form, and their adaptability to growing in the 

 shade, make them a desirable house plant. 



SOIL, WATERING AND GENERAL TREATMENT. 



Ferns have fine roots and require a light soil of 

 leaf-mold or peat mixed with a little sand. The 

 former is preferable. The soil should be broken 

 fine but not sifted. 



Tepid rain-water should be given copiously once 

 in two or three days, but must not stand about the 

 roots, as it will cause them to decay. 



They thrive best in a cool moist atmosphere ; will 

 even endure considerable exposure to frost. Ferns 

 should not receive the direct rays of the sun. They 

 are usually free from insects. All the care they 

 demand is an occasional washing or syringing to 

 clear their leaves of dust ; in a Fernery even this 

 slight trouble is unnecessary. Re-pot them an- 

 nually late in the Fall. 



