FEEN CIJLTUEE AND PEOPAGATION. 
29 
The deciduous Ferns, such as the Lady Fern, Male Fern, 
Mountain Buckler Fern, Oak and Beech Ferns, and others, 
indicate clearly enough when their period of rest begins, the 
fronds withering rapidly down to the ground, and the Fern 
disappearing altogether from view — a fertile source of dis- 
comfort to the inexperienced, who imagine them dead, and 
neglect them accordingly, the result being confirmation of 
their fears. If, however, the pots or other receptacles be 
put away in a cool, damp place, or buried in the ground in a 
sheltered corner, so that the roots never get dried, the follow- 
ing spring will witness a resurrection, at the first signs of 
which they can be reinstated in fitting places of honour. 
The rapidity with which these deciduous Ferns develop their 
fronds is very remarkable, and as, unlike the evergreen 
varieties, there are no old fronds to detract from their beauty, 
their fresh and delicate appearance in the spring makes 
ample amends for their invisibility during the winter. 
The evergreen species. Hard Male Fern {Lastrea pseudo- 
mas), the Polysticliums, the Asplenia, Blechnum Spicant, Scolo- 
pendriwn vulgare, Ceterach, Polypodium vulgare, retain their 
verdure fairly well during the winter months if kept from 
wind and. weather. When, however, the new growth begins, 
the sap and vigour of the old fronds appear to be re-absorbed 
by the plant; it is therefore not advisable to cut away the 
old foliage until it has manifestly done its work, being brown 
and shrivelled. 
Repotting and replanting may be done at any time with 
proper care, though they are best let alone in the winter. 
Obviously, the best time is just when the new growth com- 
mences, after the winter’s rest, say end of March, as then 
not only is the plant in its most vigorous state, and ready 
fo take every advantage of fresh soil and greater space, but 
if the old fronds are damaged in the process little harm is 
done; while if the operation be left later, the symmetry of 
the plant may suffer throughout the season through damage 
to the new growths. 
Ferns in pots, like Ferns out-of-doors, must be protected 
from hot sunshine; wind is also very destructive where the 
