MARCH. 
77 
more sand intermixed with it; this induces them to root more freely. 
In potting give good drainage, mixing some small pieces of potsherds 
with the soil; place some broken crocks in the bottoms of the pots, then 
a layer of rough peat or moss; for it is of great importance to tlieir 
successful growth to keep the soil open and porous and the drainage 
active. Let the plant be set level with the rim of the pot, fill up with 
the soil, press firmly round the roots, and give a good watering with 
a rosed water-pot, to settle the soil. 
Ferns require a good supply of water at their roots during the 
summer season, but in winter they should have but little—only just 
enough to keep the soil moist; and, as I have said before, they should 
never on any account be allowed to get dry. A pit or small green¬ 
house will suit the following perfectly:— 
Adiardum capilhis 'Generis^ a desirable species for small bouquets; 
grows about 8 inches high. This is a British species, but to grow it 
in perfection it requires to be kept under glass. 
Adiantum cuneaium. This is one of the prettiest of the Adiantums; 
it grows a foot high, and is one of the best for bouquets. It has a 
beautiful drooping habit, and light green foliage, which makes it very 
attractive among flowers. 
Adiantum formosum. —This fine Fern grows about 2 feet high, and 
is very useful for bouquets. 
Adiantum assimile. —A very pretty species, which grows about 
12 inches high, and is a good kind for small bouquets. 
Adiantum setidosum. —A small growing Fern, suitable for growing 
in a basket or pot. 
Adiantum pedaturn. —A graceful kind, and hardy, but all the better 
for being grown under glass. It is some 12 inches high, sometimes 
more, when the plant is growing strongly. 
Acropkoriis choerophyllus^ an elegant deciduous Fern, which grows 
10 inches high. 
Acrophorus immersus. —A pretty Fern, which grows about 12 inches 
high. 
Asplenium Adiantum acutum. —An elegant variety, and hardy. It 
is a native of Ireland, but does best under glass. 
Cheilanthes alabamensis, —A very pretty dwarf species, growing 
about 8 inches high. This is a good variety for small bouquets; it 
should be placed at the warmest end of the pit, and great care should 
be taken that no water is allowed to get on the fronds, as on this 
depends, in a great measure, the successful growth of all the Chei¬ 
lanthes ; if allowed to get wet, they turn brown and sometimes die. 
Cheilanthes elegans, a handsome small Fern, growing a foot or more 
high. This ought to be in every collection, as it is one of the most 
beautiful of all; it requires the same treatment as alabamensis. 
Lasirea glabella. —A very pretty distinct species, growing 10 inches 
high; a useful kind for bouquets, and one which lasts a long time in 
water. 
Lasirea pubescens. —A very distinct Fern, growing about 10 inches 
iiigh- 
Lasirea canariensis.-^A particularly useful kind for bouquets. 
