26 journaij of the royal horticultural society. ' 



may be seen delightful specimens of Todea superha grown in this 

 manner, and in the interstices of the structure are numerous 

 self-sown plants of Lornaria fluvialitis, growing luxuriantly. 

 When shade is desirable an excellent plan is to make a framework of 

 narrow deal battens and cover it with plasterers' laths placed a little 

 less than half an inch apart ; this will give all the shade necessary, 

 even in the hottest season. The screen may be removed in the early- 

 evening, when the cultivator may contemplate with pleasure the result 

 of his. exertions. At night it may be replaced as a protection from 

 heavy storms and the inquisitiveness of predatory animals. The 

 screens may be coloured with one of the many distempers or other 

 paints that are easily procurable, and thus render them presentable. 



In making a plantation of hardy ferns I have invariably found 

 the best results are obtained by using pot-grown plants, as many of 

 them are impatient of removal and take at least one season to recover, 

 and all who value their peace of mind I would warn against obtain- 

 ing those low-priced plants offered by itinerant vendors and others. 

 These plants, which frequently are ruthlessly torn from their sur- 

 roundings, even if they survive, which is doubtful, are necessarily 

 a long time before they are in any way effective. 



I would strongly recommend those who have not previously grown 

 ferns to commence with those of easy culture; by so doing they will 

 acquire a knowledge of the treatment required, and will then be able 

 to extend 'their cultivation to others that require more exacting 

 conditions. 



Inquiry is frequently made as to watering: should it be overhead 

 or otherwise? To many British ferns overhead watering is beneficial; 

 a light sprinkling in the evening with a very fine rose watering-pot 

 during the period of growth will materially assist in the development of 

 their fronds ; on the other hand, to many of the stove and greenhouse 

 ferns water should only be given at the roots. Adiantums especially 

 resent the wetting of the foliage, as it results in the fronds being 

 tipped and causes disfigurement. Many persons regard ferns as semi- 

 aquatics that should be dosed with water upon every opportunity; 

 nothing could be more fatal to their success, and I have no hesitation 

 in saying that a very large percentage of failures are due to injudicious 

 watering. 



In thus eulogizing the plants that have for so many years afforded me 

 the greatest pleasure and delight, let it not be thought I would under- 

 rate those denizens of our gardens, too numerous to mention, that 

 give of their splendour and fragrance from early spring to late autumn 

 and afford solace and enjoyment equally to peer and peasant; but I 

 am forced to regard their charms as evanescent when compared with 

 ferns, the beauty of which, if less demonstrative, is certainly more 

 durable, and they have, I think, an unequalled claim to our esteem, 

 seeing they may be grown with success in positions where to grow 

 flowering plants would be impossible, and any attempt to do so could 

 only result in failure and disappointment. 



