TREE FERNS. 



For others well- drained pots or pans with lumps of fibrous peat and loam, charcoal, 

 sandstone, silver sand, and sphagnum are suitable. The strong growers may have a 

 coarse mixture of the six materials last 

 named, and be annually top-dressed with 

 more of the same in March. 



From the first they must be kept close 

 and carefully shaded, and the soil never 

 allowed to become dry, watering the 

 stones and medium in which they are 

 rooting frequently, through the spout of 

 a can. After the plants are once well 

 established progress will be fairly rapid. 



Teee Ferns. 

 These noble ferns are better adapted 

 for large ferneries and conservatories than 

 for ordinary plant houses. The three prin- 

 cipal genera are alsophila (Fig. 100), 

 cyathea, and dicksonia, and well-grown 

 specimens are of considerable decorative 

 value. A moderately warm temperature, 

 accompanied by shade and abundance of 

 atmospheric moisture, suits tree ferns ad- 

 mirably. They require large quantities 

 of water, and free drainage must there- 

 fore be provided in the pots or tubs in 

 which they are grown. Those with long 

 stems are not easily spoilt by being 

 crowded in among various other ferns or 



plants, but ample room must be afforded the younger specimens, the fronds being 

 numerous and attaining large dimensions. Stems of imported tree ferns when received 

 should be laid or stood in a warm position, covered with moss or canvas, and kept 

 constantly moist by syringing. Place them in large pots or tubs directly top growth 

 commences but still keep the stems covered and moist till they are clothed with 



Fisr. 100. Alsophi 



jEIC'HAEDTIANA. 



