344 
TEENS : BRITISH AND FOREIGN. 
selection. Taking a view of the large number of 
F erns now in cultivation, their requirements as regards 
soil, and mode of growth, we easily recognize two 
classes — terrestrial and epiphytal. This division is 
important. For the first class, by far the most ex- 
tensive, it is necessary to use the soil of a finer or 
coarser consistence, according to the delicate or 
stronger character of the plant. In it there is a 
more varied character of vernation, by which their 
terrestrial character is indicated and very easily recog- 
nized. Natural affinity of course is not taken into 
consideration. However, with tolerable accuracy in 
this respect, the genera Phegopteris, Lctstrea, Ne- 
plir odium, Adiantum, Asplenium, and Sitolohium give 
examples of the chief variety of vernation indicative of 
the terrestrial nature ; viz., erect, cmspitose, decumbent 
or sub-hypogeous, or, as in Nephrodium unitum, and 
N. pter aides, which, although with a true sub-scandent 
sarmentum, they, however, prefer the firm soil of the- 
terrestrial group, a compost of two-thirds peat and 
one loam, with abundance of sand, according to the- 
size of the plants for which it is to be used. 
In potting Ferns, an over-depth of soil should be 
avoided, as well as a great depth of drainage. The 
one promotes stagnancy, the other gives an oppor- 
tunity for the most vigorous roots to descend 
among its particles, and oftentimes they become too 
dry when the soil is apparently moist enough, and the 
tips of the foliage are in consequence injured, and 
the plant disfigured. This applies more strictly 
to species of small and delicate structure, such as 
Aspleniuvijirmum, A. dentatum,A. decussatum, &c.,and 
for such the shallow pot is best adapted, the width of 
