THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



effectually without risking injury to the delicate fronds. Aphides may be kept down in 

 the same way ; mealy bug, brown and white scale, have also to be reckoned with. These 

 can only be extirpated by frequent careful brushings and spongings with soapy water, as 

 hot as can be borne by the hand, not waiting till the plants are badly infested before 

 commencing operations. 



THE CULTUBAL GROUPING OF FERNS. 



No practical purpose would be served by occupying space in a popular work of this 

 kind by a narrative explanatory of the scientific classification of Ferns ; but, as has 

 been previously intimated, it is advisable, where possible, to group them according to 

 their cultural requirements and adaptability for specific objects. Some Ferns require 

 a comparatively high and others a relatively low temperature, and are known as stove 

 and greenhouse kinds respectively. Then there are the stately Tree Ferns, which in 

 appropriate positions are highly imposing ; and the chaste elegance of the Filmies, attain- 

 ing in some instances only a few inches in height ; while others are displayed to great 

 advantage when grown in baskets. Reference was made on page 143 to the custom 

 that prevails at exhibitions of associating Ferns and Orchids in groups, and it cannot be 

 doubted that both families gain in effectiveness thereby. But nowhere is the association 

 more pleasing than in the structure in which the plants are grown, and which is well 

 illustrated in the photographic reproduction (Fig. 99). This picture represents one of 

 the plant houses of Mr. W. Thompson, at Walton Grange, Stone, Staffs., whose 

 reputation as an Orchidist is world-wide. As may readily be seen, the majority of the 

 orchids are miltonias, with several odontoglossum crispum, and the long spikes of 

 oncidiums in the background. These are placed in a carpet of Maidenhair Ferns, of 

 which the front row only can be seen. Then from the floor a rock wall, with numerous 

 pockets for ferns, has been so formed that the underneath portion is perfectly hidden. 

 Instead of a bare space there is the refreshing wall of greenery surmounted by the 

 trails of Selaginellas with the Orchids above. Nothing more charming could be 

 desired, and it is a method of procedure which in adaptation allows ample scope for 

 individual taste and judgment. The following observations on the cultural grouping 

 of Ferns, based on long practice, may afford guidance to the comparatively inexperienced. 



