CHAPTER III. 
FERN CULTURE AND PROPAGATION. 
Culture. 
HE next step, after tlie acquisition of Ferns by 
bunting for tbein, or by tbe simpler method 
of purchase, is to insure their continued ex- 
istence and proper development by suitable 
culture; and here Nature herself is the best 
teacher. 
In the large majority of cases, as already 
stated. Ferns will be found growing in woods 
and sheltered spots where there is abundance 
of leaf- mould, or else upon soil of a light loamy or peaty 
nature; others are found inserting their tiny rootlets in the 
chinks, cracks, and crevices of stone or brick walls, or rocks. 
In all these cases there exist the first desiderata of healthy 
growth — viz., thorough drainage, every facility for the tender 
root-tips to make their way freely, and, finally, protection of 
the crown from hot sunshine. If, then, we desire to pot any 
of these Ferns, we must put, first, good drainage in the shape 
of broken pieces of pots, then a wisp of moss, and over that 
a light compost, according to Nature’s own recipe. For 
general purposes, this compost may consist of peat-mould 
or leaf -mould, two parts; good loam or garden mould, two 
parts; and silver sand or well-washed gravel sand, one part. 
