WLXnOW GARDENINO 
173 
begin in a more simple manner, by going to the nearest green bouse, where ferns 
are grown, and procure some small seedlings. These come up in great quantities 
in the pots, also on the earth of ihe pan on wliich ihe pots rest, and in fact 
everywhere that the spores chance to sow themselves. You can in this way 
frequently get a lialf dozen varieties of ferns. Among them probably one or two 
AdiantamSy a Doodia, and several varieties of Ptcris. Tlieseare the ferns inoj't 
likely to produce seedlings, when the spores are scattered over a moist surface. 
After these have been transferred to the fern case, their daily growth will 
afford you a very pleasant and interesting study ; 
the gradual change and growth of the frond from 
the first appearance to the full development will 
amply repay you for your patience in waiting. 
This is the true way to enjo)' plant cases ; begin 
•with the rudiments and learn step by step the 
nature of the plants. 
For moderate sized cases we must select ferns 
of size and habit suitable for them. 
The best of those found in green houses are : 
Adiantum capillus Veneris, A nasi mile, A 
acristatum, Doodia aspera, D. caudntn, Pteris 
geraniefoUa, P. Cretica, nlbo lineata, P. hetero- 
phi/lla, P. serrulata, BUchnum gracde, Asplen- 
inm auritum, and A. hulhifertim. There are 
many others, but a simple list like tliis is suf- 
fficient. 
For tall ferns choose Pohjpodium Aurcrim, P 
appendiculaUim, Pteris arfji/rea, Asplciiium 
Brasiliense, Adiantum macrophyUum, Anemia 
P/iyliti'Us. 
In pia.iting your ferns do not crowd them 
together, but gi •'<;• room for the full development 
of the fronds; their growth is rapid and many 
soon double their original size when first pur- 
chased. Alternate the different varieties if pos- 
sible, and do not get two or three plants of the 
same kind together. A fine delicate fern always fi^. s;!.— I'arior Feru stand, 
looks more graceful and pretty beside a variety with a full broad frond. So 
a light green or variegated plant will show to better advantage beside one 
with a dark green frond. Tn choosing your soil, make say of three parts 
rich, black peaty mould, one part coarse sand and gravel siftings mixed, and one 
part broken charcoal, see that the pieces of charcoal are broken to the size of 
cranberries, and well mixed with the earth ; the whole should only be broken 
up, not sifted. 
