230 
THE FLOEAL WORLD AND GAEDEN GUIDE. 
earth, picturesquely disposed and planted with ferns severally 
adapted to the sites and positions the scheme affords. Where there 
are living trees on or near the spot (and the shade of large trees is 
desirable), the use of roots is objectionable, because of the quanti- 
ties of fungi which are sure to be produced, the mycelium from 
which may find its way among the living roots and commit vast 
havoc. But even this danger is worth risking sometimes in cases 
where roots and butts are plentiful on the spot, and it is undesirable 
to incur any great expense. The foundation of all banks and earth- 
works for ferns should be good loam or clay, into which many of 
the stronger-growing kinds will send their roots when well 
established. But the upper crust and the stuff for filling in between 
roots, burrs, etc., should consist of half peat and half silky yellow 
loam, or some mixture which nearly approximates in character te 
3uch a combination. Thus, good loam with well-rotted cocoa-nut 
fibre, or loam mixed with yellow leaf-mould and manure that has 
lain by three or four years till rotted to powder. It is best to com- 
plete the structure and fill in all the more important places 
intended for soil before inserting any of the plants, for the simple 
reason that the work must be firm, the soil well rammed in, and the 
whole of the scheme so substantial that there will be no fear of any 
portion shrinking away afterwards, and leaving the roots of the 
ferns without soil, or causing hollows and crevices between the 
blocks and the banks into which they are set. 
ACHIMENES. 
[HE various attractions of this lovely tribe of plants 
render them specially adapted for decorative purposes. 
Their numerous gay and pleasing shades, of colour, 
their variety of form and foliage, combined with a gene- 
rally easy cultivation, and their flowering in a small 
state, are all qualities which especially recommend them to the 
notice of amateurs of limited means. Though essentially summer- 
flowering plants, the season of bloom may be prolonged for some 
months by a succession of youDger growth ; and where a sufficiency 
of light and heat can be obtained, some kinds, as Picta, and others 
of like habit, may be kept in flower during winter. Their more 
attractive season is, however, the summer and autumn months. 
During the growing period, they delight in a warm, moist atmo- 
sphere, and when in bloom, they may be removed to a close part of 
the conservatory or greenhouse, or, if required, to a sitting-room, 
but the blooms will net be so fine there as in a more genial atmo- 
sphere. The general method of obtaining plants is from the small, 
scaly-like tubers of the previous year’s growth, which are produced 
in abundance. For winter blooming it is, however, more desirable 
to propagate from cuttings put in iu the latter part of summer. 
This method is also adapted for increasing new or rare kinds; 
but this being more the nurseryman’s province than that of the 
