BRITISH FERNS. 
151 
the escape of superfluous water is most important. I would 
advise that pieces of crocks, roots, stones, and such things, be 
mixed with the soil, for around articles of the kind the roots of 
the fern multiply and cling with tenacity; the crown of the plant 
should be kept just level with the rim of the pot, and the soil 
pressed down half an inch round the circumference, leaving the 
centre a little higher. The most proper time for repotting is 
early in spring, before the plants begin to grow, and at that time 
the decayed portion of the rhizoma and all dead roots and the 
remains of last year’s fronds should be cut away, and if increase 
is desired, this is also the best opportunity for the purpose. 
Propagation of these plants can only be effected by division, but 
it is generally easy with most species, as established plants form 
several heads or growing points, and each of these may be sepa¬ 
rated and treated as a distinct plant. Most of the species begin 
to grow about the end of April, and from that time onward 
through the summer they must be regularly attended. For the 
first month they are benefited by being allowed to receive the 
full influence of the sun, except May prove more than ordinarily 
hot, when shading must be resorted to in the middle of the day ; 
under this treatment the fronds rise quickly, and being moderately 
watered every day with occasional syringing, they reach a great 
size, and by their tender green and rapid development, are very 
interesting. If designed for exhibition, they ought to be grown 
in a cold pit, in order to preserve the foliage from injury, to 
which in its young state it is very liable from heavy winds, und 
other accidental causes ; if the accommodation mentioned can be 
afforded them, care must be had, at the same time, to allow plenty 
of air, lest they become drawn, and in such a position the syringe 
must be more frequently employed, not only on the plants, but 
also to moisten the floor and walls. About midsummer, the 
plants should be stationed in a shaded spot in the open air, and 
the more sheltered the place is from winds, the better for the 
plants ; an awning of thin canvass overhead, leaving the bottom 
open except on the windward side, and the frequent application 
of water to the ground on which they stand will be of much 
assistance in keeping a moist atmosphere about them; or the 
neighbourhood of a stream of water, where they may be shaded 
by trees, is an appropriate summer station, if it can be had, and 
