CHARACTERS, DISTRIBUTION, ETC., OF FERNS. 
121 
When the seedling Ferns are of a sufficient size and strength to be allowed to stand 
singly in pots, they should with the greatest possible care be potted, for if the roots are 
broken, or otherwise injured, they will be some time in recovering. The soil best suited 
for the purpose is a mixture of peat and leaf mould, for the plants in their natural state 
grow in the crevices of rocks, in shady, damp situations, where a scanty portion of vegetable 
mould has been deposited, or beneath dense w T oods, all the surface earth of which is 
composed of decayed leaves ; and in such situations and soil only they luxuriate. 
Before potting nothing perhaps is of more importance than drainage; for although 
fond of moisture and shade, they will not flourish if subjected in any degree to stagnant 
water. Place the soil about the plants with care, so as not to break the roots ; screen from 
the sun until they have begun to grow. 
The value of Ferns consists both in their intrinsic beauty, and in their applicability to 
specific purposes. They are singularly useful for growing in shady places where few other 
plants will thrive ; for planting on rocks, for covering unsightly walls, for suspending in 
rustic baskets from the roof of a stove, for planting among trees or shrubs in large 
conservatories or stoves, for placing amongst Orchids deficient of foliage, and for enlivening 
and decorating rustic work. 
Ferns are valuable for planting in shady situations; indeed, whether it be in the 
greenhouse or the stove, or in the open air, the majority of the species luxuriate most in 
shady places, where the direct beams of the sun cannot touch them. Rockeries also of all 
descriptions are excellently adapted for Ferns, because these plants require muon less earth 
than most other plants, and because from the smaller number of pores in their leaves, 
they can live and maintain a healthy appearance for a long time, with only a small quantity 
of moisture about their roots. In open-air rockeries the presence of these plants creates a 
very natural aspect. Stove and greenhouse rockeries are greatly improved by their 
presence ; for, as in the large rockery in the Great Conservatory at Chatsworth, the whole 
nearly of what would otherwise appear a cold, barren rock, is covered with a quantity of 
waving, plume-like, delicately green foliage, which renders it particularly attractive. 
For clothing unsightly walls either in stoves, greenhouses, or shady places in the open 
air ; — this may be done by making the surface of the wall designed to be covered, rough, 
and capable of holding in the interstices a small portion of soil. 
They are also well adapted for planting in moss or soil in rustic baskets, and hung up 
in the stove or orchid house ; they will even thrive on a log of wood, if fastened in a small 
portion of moss. Some of the smaller growing ones look well planted amongst Orchids, 
which plants they shade with their light and graceful foliage. 
The culture of Ferns is remarkably easy, consisting merely of the following particulars : 
— They cannot grow and thrive without shade, exposure to sun-light soon destroys many 
of the more delicate species, and materially injures those of a robust and fleshy habit; — 
a moist atmosphere is necessary, as in their natural habitats these plants are always 
found in the greatest abundance in such situations ; and when grown in houses this must 
always be kept in mind ; during their growth water and syringe freely ; — a moderate heat 
only is requisite, strong heat always injures their tender foliage ; — the soil most suitable 
for their growth is composed of fibry peat mixed with tw r o parts of decayed leaf mould. — 
They do not, when grown in pots, require very much pot-room ; and if planted in rock- 
work, a small portion of earth only is requisite. — Drainage with potsherds of the most 
copious description should be given if the plants are grown in pots, because the roots will 
not bear any stagnation of water. 
The following list contains some good kinds suitable for growing in a greenhouse or 
conservatory : — 
Adiantum cuneatum. 
„ formosum. 
„ pubescens. 
Allantodia australis. 
„ umbrosa. 
Anemia fraxinifolia. 
Aspidium eburneum. 
„ elongatum. 
„ molle. 
„ pennigerum. 
„ pungens. 
Asplenium flabellifolium. 
Asplenium monanthemum. 
„ praemorsum. 
„ virens. 
Blechnum australe. 
„ gracile. 
„ striatum. 
VOL. i. — no. IV. 
K 
