50 
Choice Ferns for Amateurs. 
March; but if it is tolerably sheltered^ it will be 
found preferable to plant during the autumn, as 
root action in most hardy Ferns commences long 
before there are any visible outward signs of vege- 
tation, and in that case the plants moved in the 
autumn will, if kept sufficiently moist, have made a 
quantity of fresh roots, upon which the new growth 
is mostly dependent. In an exposed situation it is 
best to plant early m spring, and just before vege- 
tation commences — that is, about the end of March 
— as the plants are then in most vigorous state. 
Moreover, if any of the old fronds are injured 
through the operation, there is but little harm done ; 
whereas if the planting takes place later, the injuries 
done to the young growths may result in a permanent 
disfigurement of the plants. 
Once a hardy Fernery is established it requires 
very little attention. The whole work in connection 
with such a place is limited to occasional waterings 
during the summer, while during the winter a slight 
covering of old leaves or other light material placed 
over the crowns of the plants will enable the tenderer 
species to withstand our severest winters. Such 
protective material must be carefully removed as 
soon as the hard frosts are over, or its presence will 
prove detrimental to the plants, either by the break- 
ing of the young fronds if the operation is performed 
when these are partly developed, or by their sudden 
exposure to drying winds and late frosts, if they 
; have been allowed to make their growth under arti- 
\ficial protection. 
In Pots under Glass. 
For all Ferns requiring glass protection the 
houses should preferably be disposed from north to 
south, so as to avoid the strong rays of midday sun 
while at the same time retaining all the light 
possible. Exception to the rule as regards light 
should be made in the case of houses intended for 
Filmy Ferns, all of which thrive best when grown 
in a house with a north aspect and subdued light. 
Important, also, is the angle at which the roof is 
