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sucli cases there is great difficulty in transplanting. As tho 
plants grow, they must be adapted to their natural climate, 
to the greenhouse, stove, or open air, but in all cases 
moisture and shade are desirable. Stagnant water must be 
avoided. 
2. Perns may also he propagated by dividing the root- 
stock. If it be a creeping root-stock, it should be so 
divided that each portion has a frond or two on it, and 
some fibrous roots. They should be set in loose soil made 
of sand, bog earth, and leaf mould. No great depth of this 
earth is required, neither much watering, as these are air 
plants, chiefly deriving nutriment from the air. Such also 
grow well if suspended on blocks of wood, covered with 
damp moss, in a warm atmosphere ; or if placed in little chip 
mossy baskets full of chinks, they force their way through 
in an elegant and graceful manner. In the winter they 
should have still less water than in the summer. The 
Polypody is almost the only Pern of the Axe having a 
creeping root-stock which is suitable for such a mode of 
growth. If a similar attempt be made with the Brake, a 
young plant must be selected, and the root-stock must be 
cut short every autumn. The spinous Pern will not thrive 
under such management, as it bears a great resemblance in 
character to the other Shield Perns. If the root-stock have 
a crown,* it should be narrowly examined whether there is 
more than one tuft or crown. If there are, then the knife 
must be applied, and the plant so separated that each sepa- 
rate part should retain a portion of the roots. Care must 
be taken not to cover the crowns, which is certain death to 
the plant. This requires a deeper soil, and more frequent 
watering. The spring season, just before its vital properties 
are resumed, is best adapted for such operations. 
3. It has been noticed, pages 96 and 97, that some 
indigenous Perns produce bulbs. This happens more 
frequently in exotics. These may be taken off and placed 
in pots with the other requisites, and earth prepared 
similarly to what was required for sowing. Little plants 
soon rise resembling the parents from which they are taken. 
* Eoot -stocks are said to have a crown wken the Ferns grow in tufts or shuttle- 
cock fashion. 
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