THE STAG HORN FERNS. 



This small genus of about a half a dozen species 

 is one of the most extraordinary among plants that 

 are cultivated for the attractions of their foliage 

 alone. They have been called the grandest among 

 ferns. They are distinct epiphytal ferns or those 

 that grow upon trees, and, as may be expected, 

 best develop their beauties when their natural 

 conditions are successfully imitated. They are 

 usually classed among what gardeners call stove 

 ferns, from the heat and treatment they require. 

 They are readily distinguished by their two regu- 

 larly branching fertile fronds. They thrive in bas- 

 kets or shallow pans, or when fastened on good- 

 sized blocks of wood, with a little peat and spag- 

 num around their roots and suspended in a warm 



greenhouse ; but they never appear to such advan- 

 tage as when attached to the trunk of a tree or 

 wall of a conservatory surrounded by vines and 

 other plants. The popularity of ferns is ever in- 

 creasing, and ideas concerning their culture and 

 the amount of heat necessary have of late been 

 considerably modified, many being found to do 

 even better in places once considered too cool to 

 be suitable. Although all ferns from the tropics re- 

 quire more or less heat, the idea that they require 

 great heat at all times with heavy shading is al- 

 together a mistake. Although ferns delight es- 

 sentially in shade and moisture, both may be carried 

 to excess. They should grow and rest as well as 

 flowering plants. We know of stag's-horn ferns 



