26 CULTURE. 
occupied by drainage material, which may consist of 
potsherds broken up to the sizes of nuts and 'walnuts, re- 
jecting the finer portions On this a thin layer of sphag- 
num moss should be spread, to prevent the soil washing 
or settling down among the drainage. Then, in potting, 
lay a little soil on the moss, spread out the roots as much 
as possible, and fill in the soil gradually, working it with 
the fingers well among the roots. When the pot is filled, 
consolidate it by a few smart taps on the potting-bencb, 
and by pressing firmly with the fingers, so that the soil 
may be settled down close and firm, and fill the pot to 
within from half an inch to an inch of the level of the 
rim. The soil should be in a half- dry state when used 
never wet. The small ferns seldom require pots larger 
than five inches in diameter, and good plants of the large 
ones may be had in pots from twelve to eighteen inches in 
diameter. March or April is the best time for re-potting. 
If the soil is open, and the pots not too full of roots, avoid 
re-potting, as they are better not disturbed ; but if the 
texture of the soil has become too close from the decay 
of its fibry particles, if the drainage has become imper- 
fect, or if the pots are too full of roots, re-pot by all 
means, shaking away, in the former cases, as much of the 
old soil as possible, and rectifying the errors, and in the 
latter case affording a larger pot, if the limit has not yet 
been reached. If the latter is the case, reduce the roots 
without bruising those retained, and re-pot in the same 
sized pot. 
WATERING. All ferns love moisture, therefore while 
they are growing they should be well supplied. The 
supply to the roots must vary according to the habits of the 
species ; but through the growing season, or from May till 
September, the plants will be benefited by a daily syringing 
over the fronds, repeated in the evening of all hot days. 
Dryness at the root, or in the atmosphere, is very hurtful 
to them. At the same time, it is to be remembered that 
if by reason ?of continued dull or damp weather, the 
amount of water supplied ia producing anything like a 
