Planted Out. 
55 
Ferns in pots (Fig. 33) require fresh potting 
more or less frequently, according to their size and 
also to their rate of growth, but over-potting is 
injurious. Such plants are most luxuriant when the 
inside surface of their pots is already covered with 
a network of their roots. Even a temporary absence 
of moisture will cause shrivelling of the fronds in 
Ferns, and once this has occurred it is seldom, 
indeed, that the plants ever regain their freshness, 
thus differing materially from flow^ering subjects. 
Repotting may be safely performed at almost 
any time of the year, providing the after-treatment 
be correct; but it is best to commence in the warm- 
house about the beginning of February, and in the 
cool-house about the beginning of March, but in no 
case must it be undertaken before the plants have 
started into growth. Old pots should be clean and 
dry, otherwise the roots will adhere to their sides, 
and when next repotting is necessary numbers will 
be injured, to the great detriment of the plant. 
New pots, too, should first be thoroughly soaked, 
and then be well dried before using : if this be not 
done the fresh water will be absorbed by the pots on 
account of their porosity, and the roots of the plants 
will suffer. 
Drainage is of the utmost importance ; while the 
question of soil is almost as great a factor towards 
success. By far the greater number of Ferns grow 
naturally in partly-decayed vegetable matter, usually 
of a soft nature : they should therefore be made firm, 
but on no account potted hard. An excellent com- 
post for most Ferns consists of two parts of sandy 
loam, one part of leaf mould, one part of fibrous 
peat, and one part of coarse sand. 
Planted Out. 
So far, our remarks have been confined to what 
may be termed a more or less artificial way of grow- 
ing Ferns. We will now consider the natural 
Fernery, whether in a warm or in a cool structure 
(or, for that matter, outside). Here specimens (large 
or small growers), planted out without any regard to 
