56 
Choice Ferns for Amateurs. 
recommended for all species provided with running 
rhizomes, such, as certain Adiantums and Acrosti- 
chums, but principally for the majority of Davallias, 
Nephrolepis, and Polypodiums, whose rhizomes soon 
take possession of the outer surface of the mound; 
this then becomes rapidly covered with foliage, all 
the more luxuriant in that the plants have more 
room allowed for the extension of their rhizomes. 
All the year round the warm Fernery should 
be kept at a moderate and comfortable temperature ; 
more artificial heat than the plants really require is 
highly injurious. It is of the utmost importance that 
no Ferns should be placed in close proximity to the 
hot-water pipes, which should be completely hidden 
by the rockwork. Air-shafts should be so managed 
that the heat generated by the pipes is diffused in 
the house by passing through and at the back of the 
rockwork. Tropical Ferns may be said to have a 
period of active growth extending from March to 
September. During that time all possible advantage 
should be taken of natural heat, which, even when 
somewhat strong, is not hurtful. The damage is 
generally due to the use of artificial heat, which 
should not be resorted to so long as the night tem- 
perature of the house does not fall below 60deg. ; 
the solar heat may, without inconvenience to the 
plants, raise it to 75deg., or even 80deg., during the 
day. From September to March, a minimum night 
temperature of from 50deg. to 55deg. is all that is 
required, and until growth commences it need not 
be much higher during the day; after that 
time it should be gradually raised to the minimum 
point above-named. 
Quite a large number of Ferns thrive as well in 
the cool as in the warm Fernery : their growth, how- 
ever, is not so rapid, although with time they make 
quite as pretty specimens. The temperature of the 
cool Fernery need not at any time exceed 55deg. to 
60deg., and it will be found best to keep it at a 
minimum of from 45deg. to 50deg. during the 
winter months. 
Many cultivators object to the employment of 
