66 
Choice Ferns for Amateurs. 
Then, too, many species of Ferns are sufficiently 
accommodating to be grown as room plants. The 
stout-fronded species and varieties are those best 
adapted for such heroic treatment; their greatest 
enemies are dust and draught, with overdoses of 
water. Dust should be sponged off carefully, other- 
wise no Fern can long remain healthy. 
Rustic window-boxes may be usefully employed 
for Fern- culture so long as ample means of drainage 
have been provided, and that they do not rest with 
their boxes upon the sills. An inch or two of space 
should intervene between the sill and the bottom of 
the window-box. 
W mur. 
Fig. 39. The Black Vine Weevil (Otiorrhynchus sulcatus), a 
very destructive Fern pest alike as a beetle and as a grub. 
Fern Enemies. 
Ferns in their native habitats are seldom 
attacked by any animal pests ; but under cultivation 
they are liable to be injured by many insect and 
other foes. Woodlice, Slugs, Snails, Cockroaches, 
Crickets, and other pests are particularly fond of the 
young growths, especially those of a succulent 
nature; Black Vine Weevils {Otiorrhynchus sulcatus) 
in both the grub and beetle states (Fig. 39) ; Surface 
