114 
The Fern Garden . 
Polystichum setosum, a lovely dark green fern, will 
take care of itself anywhere in the shade. 
Pteris ternifolia , P. hastata, P . cretia albo lineata , 
P. scaberula, P. flabellata , a fine group; scaberula runs 
about, and should not be put into a case for that reason; 
but in a basket, which will allow it to peep out, it is 
at home; as for the last in the list it is lovely, and 
thrives in our cool house. 
Platycerium alcicorne is absolutely indispensable for 
its curious habit and its hardiness. It will bear seven 
or even ten degrees of frost, and yet come right again, 
but should never be so much punished. Get a block 
of old wood, scoop out a hole, and put in it some fine 
peat, and in that hole fix the plant firmly. Then hang 
up the block by means of copper wire, and syringe 
frequently all the year round. It will in time cover 
the block with its tawny shields (we call them “pot 
lids^), and make a grand object. A plant has hung 
near the roof of our cool house for ten years, and has 
several times been frozen. 
Todea pellucida and T. superba are a pair of New 
Zealand filmy ferns of the most exquisite character. I 
am half afraid to recommend them to beginners, yet 
they only want deep shade and moisture to succeed to 
perfection, as they are nearly hardy. Plenty of drain¬ 
age, plenty of patience, as little air as possible, and all 
will be well. I have some fine plants growing in a 
disused (because leaky) aquarium; they are in fine 
condition. They are covered close with a sheet of glass 
and never have any air at all. 
Thamnopteris australasica is too good to be omitted. 
