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104 HINTS ON THE CULTIVATION OF FERNS. 
Among the Ferns which come next on the list in their love of shade and moisture are 
Aspleniums and Selaginellas, most of which delight in situations very similar to those suitable 
for Filmies, but with rather less shade and atmospheric moisture. 
The different species of the above, however, differ greatly in their requirements in respect to heat, 
some being perfectly hardy and others requiring stove heat, while between the two are plants suitable 
for all gradations of temperature, their requirements in this particular being shown by their arrange- 
ment in the catalogue under the various headings of Stove, Greenhouse, and Hardy Ferns. 
With still less shade, we find the genera Athykium, Cyrtomium, Diplazium, Meniscium, 
Onoolea, Scolopendrium, &c., to grow well ; and flourishing in still more light and air there is a 
host of species and varieties, which constitute the great majority of Ferns found in the general 
collection, such as many species of Adiantum, Blechnum, Davallia, Lastrea, Lomaria, Nephro- 
DiuM, Nephrolepis, Polypodium, Polystichum, Pteris, and Woodwardia, and the many minor 
families, nearly all of which do well with abundance of light and a moderate amount of air, 
requiring protection simply from the scorching rays of the sun, and, in the case of those growing 
out of doors, from strong wind also. 
We have now to speak of a class of Ferns which require treatment almost the opposite of that 
suitable for Filmy Ferns in the matter of light and atmospheric moisture. We refer to the 
Cheilanthes, Nothoclcenas, Pell^as, and Woodsias. These exquisite Ferns require abundance 
of light and air, and should be near the glass, in a position in which plenty of air can circulate 
about their foliage. When potted, the smaller growing varieties are benefited by being pressed and 
held firmly between flat pieces of stone, of which there should also be small fragments mixed with the 
soil, for the most perfect drainage is necessary for the health of all these plants. The Aspleniums 
SEPTENTR iONALE, Germanioum, ruta-muraria, and Ceterach opficinarum, will do well with 
the same treatment. The Gymnogrammas, among which are the Gold and Silver Ferns, require strong 
light and a good circulation of air, the latter created by the hot water pipes in their vicinity. Great 
care should be taken not to allow any water to get on the fronds of the Gymnogrammas. 
In recommending a good circulation of air, we do not mean cold, cutting draughts and wind, but 
a buoyant atmosphere in gentle motion, caused by suitable ventilation of the structure in which the 
plants are growing. 
TEMPERATURE. 
Ferns and Selaginellas requiring artificial heat are divided into two sections, viz., those from 
tropical countries requiring a stove temperature during winter of from in the night to 70° or 75° 
in the day, rising as the days lengthen to 70° in the night, and 80° in the day during summer, again 
declining to winter temperature by degrees as the colder weather comes on, and the days shorten ; 
and others requiring during winter only a greenhouse temperature of from 40° to 50° in the night, 
to 50° or (50° in the day, gradually rising as the days lengthen, and the light becomes greater, to 60° 
or 65° in the night, and 70° or 75° in the day during summer, again declining as the days shorten, &c. 
No harm will be done if the temperature rises even 10° higher than the above if caused by the sun, 
but it will not be wise to raise it so high by artificial heat. 
Many Ferns growing in the tropics are found at high elevations on the mountain sides where the 
temperature is much lower than in the plains below, consequently these do better in a greenhouse 
than in a stove temperature. We have endeavoured to divide them in this catalogue into the two 
divisions most suitable for each individual plant, but it is well to bear in mind that some species grow 
both in the tropics and in the more temperate regions, hence it will be found that some classed in the 
stove section will grow in a greenhouse, and vice versa. 
In keeping up stove temperature, artificial heat is, of course, required, as it is also for green- 
house temperature, though not to so great a degree ; and as Ferns in their native habitats— with some 
few exceptions— grow in moist situations, revelling in a humid atmosphere, it may be put down as a 
rule, always to be followed, that the atmosphere in the stove and greenhouse must be kept moist. 
This may be done by damping the walks and walls with a watering-can or syringe, not, however, 
wetting the foliage of the Ferns any more than can possibly be helped. We do not advocate 
syringing Ferns as some people do, and we are sure that far more harm than good is done by 
this practice. In exceptional cases it may be beneficial, but it is only in such, and not as a rule, 
therefore it is advisable for all but the most experienced to avoid it altogether. If plenty of moisture 
is kept in the atmosphere, by the means previously specified, it will answer the purpose better than 
syriDging the Ferns, as it will mot be attended .by the dangers accompanying the latter course, 
especially where Gymnogrammas are growing. It is almost certain death to these Ferns to get 
their foliage wet, as it causes their fronds to damp off, and the plants become weak, and eventually 
die. The temperature being kept up with the necessary moisture, the next thing to be considered 
is the 
WATERING. 
Those in pots should be examined every day, particularly those in small ones, as they get dry 
quicker, and suffer sooner than those in larger pots. Ferns and Selaginellas should never he allowed 
to become dry at the roots. If they do so, it is sure to injure, and in some cases kill them outright, but 
while care must be exercised not to let them become dry, care must also be taken not to make them 
too wet by watering when they do not require it, or the soil will become sour and the plant sickly. In 
watering plants, a great mistake is sometimes made by a little being given every day, thus keeping the 
