222 
POLYPODIUM FIIEGOPTEUIS. 
throws the plant into a sickly state, and finally deprives 
it of life. 
Having chosen or constructed a suitable place for it, 
proceed to drain as directed for the last Species, using 
a moderately thick layer of sphagnum moss, or the 
roughest parts of the peat, to be pressed firmly together; 
upon that may be placed a few lumps of sandstone, if 
at hand, or porous stone of any kind. Room to be 
allowed for five or six inches of the following compost:— 
Fibry peat three parts, loam one part, and leaf-mould 
one part, with a free admixture of silver sand. The 
Fern to be planted firmly in it, so that the main root 
is barely below the surface, when a few pieces of finely- 
broken stone strewed about the surface will help to 
keep the soil open. This operation is best done early in 
the spring. When all is finished, a liberal watering 
may be given, and the whole left a few days to settle. 
Just enough water to keep the soil moist will be suffi¬ 
cient until the young fronds begin to unfold, when a 
more liberal supply must be given, and continued until 
the winter is approaching, when water must be with¬ 
held, and the soil only kept slightly moist through that 
season. 
For pot oulture the same compost may be used, well 
draining the pots, or deep pans, which are, perhaps, 
better, and placing the plants in the same manner ns on 
the rockwork. These must be kept in a close, shady 
place, and be freely supplied with water, or failure will 
most surely be the result. This Fern may be very 
successfully grown in a greenhouse or cool stove, 
