IO 
The Ferns of South Africa. 
CULTIVATION. 
THE cultivation of some ferns is so easy, and their appearance as 
pot plants so graceful, that they have for years displaced most 
other plants for table decoration. The absence of flowers is no 
defect, but tends rather to add to their charms, for it allows them 
to be in season all the year round, and frequently a good fern, in 
good hands, will remain in decorative condition for years. 
For this reason they have come to be recognised as ladies’ 
favourites, and some ladies who take an interest in their ferns, and 
study their requirements, do manage them well. 
Generally speaking, if they get the same conditions as they 
grow in naturally, they will succeed, but as these conditions can 
be obtained only with difficulty, others have to be resorted to. 
Many of our kinds are common wherever there are true forest 
conditions, /.<?., a cool, moist atmosphere, damp ground, shelter, 
and a heavy shading with trees. 
Such conditions are most easily maintained under a glass, or can- 
vas roof, and plants grown in such places thrive luxuriantly, but 
are tender, and require constant watching ; for an hour’s exposure 
to a hot, dry wind, through the door being accidentally left open, 
will sometimes destroy six months’ growth, These same kinds, if 
grown under a verandah and kept out of the sun’s direct rays, will 
grow equally well, though not so strongly, and will stand much 
more variation of temperature and humidity. 
Humidity is, however, the first element in fern culture, and, 
where a certain amount of moisture in the atmosphere cannot al- 
ways be maintained, it is almost useless to attempt to grow these 
forest ferns. Some kinds like a good deal of heat ; but generally 
the south side of a building is a better place than the north. 
Erect a break-wind at each end of the fern bed or shelf, and, if 
convenient, have it under a rain-proof cover, such as an iron 
verandah, for nothing does them more damage than to be exposed 
