ABOUT SOLL FOR TERNS. 
stratum of what is called loam — a sort of clayey 
earth, existing under varying circumstances in 
varying degrees of lightness or heaviness. 
Those who may wish to learn the secret of the 
luxuriance of Ferns in a forest, would do well to 
study the exact position as regards soil which 
these plants occupy, and to compare their varying 
degrees of prosperity with the varying circum- 
stances of their growth. If this be done, it will 
invariably be found that the lower sides of the 
Ferns are embedded in peat or loam, or a mixture 
of the two, whilst the upper parts are surrounded 
by deposits of leaf-mould. The first-mentioned 
soils chiefly furnish the moisture required by the 
roots and rootlets ; the leaf-mould supplies the 
chief part of the nutriment. The particular pre- 
ference of particular Ferns for heavier or lighter 
subsoils of loam will be shown in the suggestions 
■ — which will be offered in the succeeding pages — 
for the successful culture of the various species 
of our native Ferns. 
It may happen, however, that access to a wood 
or forest is not easily secured, and that the rough 
soil of the garden— with such sandy loam as can 
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