36 
FERNS AND FERNERIES. 
these, apart from their beauty, is to keep the ground 
moist round the roots of the ferns, for with few excep¬ 
tions, as above mentioned, they delight in a damp soil, 
if well drained. 
An atmosphere between 6o° and yo° Fahrenheit is 
best suited for most ferns, but this is impossible to 
obtain in our wayward climate. 
In watering ferns always use rain-water if possible ; 
if not, use water that has stood for hours in the sun. 
Remember always that all plants, more especially ferns, 
require more water the hotter the weather. The time 
of watering is immaterial, but do not water in hot 
sunshine, otherwise the fronds will gain a sickly 
yellowish tint. It is better to use a syringe or any 
other apparatus that will give a spray of water; the 
old-fashioned watering-pot gives out too much water 
at once, causing the earth to be partially washed away 
from the roots, especially if the fern is a minute species. 
Many persons prefer to grow the most delicate ferns 
in Wardian cases. I have found Dick, Radclyffe, & Co., 
129 High Holborn, London, W.C., the best makers, often 
choosing them in preference to green or hot houses, being 
