April 26, 1890. 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
539 
The size of the case must determine the quantity, and 
what size Ferns it will be necessary to plant. Todeas, 
especially T. superba and T. pellucida, should be 
planted in pieces of tree stems, and raised a little above 
the level of the soil, so that their handsome graceful 
fronds may be seen to advantage. The groundwork 
may be made up with Hymenophyllum Tunbridgense, 
H. Wilsoni," H. demissum nitidum, and a few of the 
Trichomanes, such as T. radicans (Killarney Fern), 
T. r. dilatatum, T. trichoideum, and T. reniforme ; 
the two latter species should by all means have a 
place found for them. The rhizomes will soon spread 
rapidly on the surface, and may then be pegged to the 
Fern stems, and they will grow in this position 
luxuriantly, covering the stems with their exceedingly 
handsome fronds. When all is planted, water carefully, 
to settle the whole of the plants. Keep them as cool 
as possible, and shade from bright sunshine. When 
fairly established they must, the same as other Ferns, 
have water when dry, and it will greatly benefit them 
if occasionally syringed during the hot, dry weather, 
as most cases are not so completely air-tight as to 
prevent the rapid evaporation of the moisture. 
If the cultural details are carefully attended to, I am 
of opinion that these cases will not require replanting 
so often as every two years, as some persons advocate ; 
for when replanting is done, it destroys the chance of 
any seedlings appearing that might have happened 
had it not been disturbed. What can be more inter¬ 
esting than watching the little seedlings develop, and 
to discover to what species they belong? If from 
necessity the case must be replanted, then previous to 
disturbing the Ferns, have a proper supply of clean 
crocks and compost as before mentioned, so that when 
the Ferns are lifted, everything should be at hand to 
plant them again as quickly as possible. 
Other Ferns Suitable for Cases.— There are 
several varieties of Ferns exceedingly handsome, and 
less expensive than filmy Ferns, that may be grown in 
cases. Those I shall mention I have found to do well, 
and proved to be quite interesting and beautiful. 
Asplenium viviparum, if planted in a piece of tree 
Fern, will make an excellent plant for the centre, with 
the dwarf varieties of Aspleniums to help form the 
groundwork. Such sorts as A. fontanum, 6 ins. in 
height, and A. obtusilobum, are also suitable. The 
last is a dwarf, handsome, creeping Fern, throwing out 
a number of runners, which, if pegged down, will 
readily root, and produce plants which continue the 
process. A few of the species of Doodias are also 
suitable for this purpose ; the best are D. caudata, 
6 ins.; D. caudata var. confluens, 6 ins.; and D. 
lunulata, 12 ins. A beautiful and useful Fern for 
cases may be found in the Anapeltis, forming a pleasing 
contrast to the others mentioned. A. nitida is a free- 
growing creeper, with silvery white rhizomes, and 
small, undivided, light green fronds. The rhizomes of 
this species should be pegged to the Fern stems, and 
will then look very pretty. A. lycopodioides, 3 ins., 
and A. squamulosa, 3 ins., will grow very freely, and 
as they have small surface rhizomes they will soon 
spread and cover the whole surface. 
Ferns for Rooms. —Ferns are favourites with cotta¬ 
gers, and consequently have often to be grown in the 
ordinary room of a dwelling house. But through the 
dryness of the atmosphere they cannot possibly grow 
so well as when in a damper place. They are useful 
for table decoration, also for standing in the window, 
where they grow better and live longer than any 
flowering plant that can be obtained. Care should be 
taken that they are not introduced in a soft, immature 
state of growth from a house where they have been 
subject to a warm moist atmosphere. Such plants 
will prove disappointing. They must be regularly 
supplied with water ; the fronds also may be gently 
sponged or syringed with clear tepid water to remove 
the dust which accumulates on them. The same may 
be said of these as of those grown in more favourable 
positions, only water when requisite, then give plenty, 
using water as warm as the room in which the plants 
are growing. If these matters are attended to they 
will grow and do much towards enlivening and beauti¬ 
fying the room. The following sorts are, perhaps, 
amongst the best for this purpose :—Adiantum Capillus- 
Yeneris, this may be placed in a basket and hung in the 
window; Asplenium bulbiferum, A. cicutarium, A. 
australasicum, Davallia canariensis (Hare’s Foot), 
Lastrea aristata, L. a. variegata, Lygodium scandens, 
Pteris argyrea, P. serrulata, P. s. cristata, P. tremula, 
Scolopendrium vulgare, and S. v. crispum. 
The Hardy Fernery. —It would not be wise to 
conclude this essay without touching upon the hardy 
Fernery. But it must be briefly, as this subject would, 
to do it justice, command one paper alone. If there is 
room in any garden in which we can make or construct 
an outdoor rockery, in which we can plant some of the 
exceedingly handsome species of hardy Ferns, if only a 
small one, I would say by all means have one, as 
nothing can give a greater charm to a garden of any 
size, especially when we consider that some of the hardy 
Ferns will grow in places in which the majority of other 
plants would surely die. The first conditions as to the 
site are, however,-protection from wind and provision 
for shade, these being essential to the majority of Ferns. 
The mode of construction is entirely a matter of taste, 
fancy, and space. The material for construction, where 
expense is not a primary object, should bo the same as 
that recommended for the indoor rockery, namely, tufa. 
An excellent substitute may, however, be found in burrs 
from the brick kiln. These may be washed over with 
some cement and cow-dung well mixed together with 
water, which will make an excellent imitation of stone. 
Elaborate and minute imitations of actual rock are 
rarely so effectively done that the illusion is perfect; and 
if really so, it is in part covered by the foliage when 
devoted to Ferns. The size must determine the mode 
of building, and whether we shall require large or small 
masses of stone. In building, let each block recede, 
instead of overhanging, because in this way the plants 
in the fissures receive the benefit of the rain or dew 
which falls, and this will be an advantage. 
Soil. —The soil for hardy Ferns should, as with 
other plants, be properly prepared. If peat, loam, leaf- 
soil, and sand can be obtained, a mixture should be 
used, or peat may be used alone, it will well repay for 
its cost. If neither course is possible, mix a little of 
these ingredients with some good garden soil, but for 
the smaller sorts of Ferns I recommend using a good 
compost. In any case, within doors or without, a 
rockery for Ferns should contain a good body of soil ; if 
there is any stint there will be no prosperity. 
Planting. —This, as well as the construction, is a 
matter of individual taste or fancy. If the rockery is 
on a large scale, and large masses of it are presented to 
the eye at one view, either very large individual plants 
or a group of each of some of the largest kinds may be 
necessary to secure masses of foliage in character with 
the massive construction. In arranging the plants 
generally, the evergreen and deciduous kinds should be 
so planted that when the foliage of the latter dies off 
for the winter there may still be abundant objects of 
interest throughout the whole. 
The seasons for planting a fernery are the spring and 
early summer months before annual growth is far 
advanced, and the planting should be done carefully 
and firmly. They must be carefully attended to in 
watering, especially during hot dry weather. If they 
can be either syringed or watered with a hose in the 
evening of hot dry days it will do them good. A little 
practice will soon enable anyone interested in the 
matter to master the details of the cultivation of these 
plants in the garden. 
Selection. —In giving a selection I shall confine 
myself to a few kinds that I have seen do well and 
give satisfaction : Allosorus erispus, Adiantum pedatum 
(deciduous), Asplenium Adiantum nigrum, A. marinum, 
Athyrium Filix-foemina (Lady Fern) and its handsome 
varieties—these are all deciduous ; Blechnum spicant, 
B. s. cristatum, Ceterach officinarum, Lastrea aemula, 
L. grandiceps, L. Filix-mas (male Fern)—these are 
strong, robust evergreen Ferns, and very handsome ; 
Osmunda regalis (deciduous), requires plenty of water 
when growing ; Polypodium vulgare and its beautiful 
varieties, Polystichum aeuleatum, P. angulare, P. a. 
cristatum, P. a. grandiceps, P. lonchitis, and Scolopen¬ 
drium vulgare (of this also there are some exceedingly 
handsome varieties). 
-- 
THE NATIONAL AURICULA 
SOCIETY. 
The annual exhibition of Auriculas, Polyanthuses, and 
Primroses, organised by the Southern Section of the 
National Auricula and Primula Society’', was held in 
the Drill Hall, Westminster, on Tuesday,(and, the 
lateness of the season notwithstanding, proved to be 
the best representative display of these flowers that the 
society has yet held. The Auriculas were plentiful and 
of fine quality in all classes, but gold-laced Polyanthuses 
were below the usual standard. This deficiency was, 
however, more than compensated for by a gloiious 
display of Primroses and border Polyanthuses, the 
most beautiful we have seen at any exhibition. Most 
of the regular visitors from the north were again 
present, and Mr. Horner again proved his claim to the 
title of champion grower. The Reading men came out 
stronger than ever, and Mr. Douglas, who has done so 
much to promote the cultivation of these flowers in the 
south, had to submit to defeat nearly all round at the 
hands of younger growers. 
In the class for twelve show Auriculas, the first prize 
went to the Rev. F. D. Horner, who had fine examples 
of Favourite, self; Snowdrift, white-edged ; Laura, 
self ; Rev. F. D. Horner, green-edged ; Melanie, self ; 
Rachel, grey-edged ; Atalanta, grey-edged ; Magpie, 
white-edged ; Monarch, green-edged ; George Light- 
body, grey-edged ; Iris, self; and Desdemona, grey- 
edged. With the exception of Simonite’s Rev. F. D. 
Horner, Woodhead’s Rachel, and Headly’s George 
Lightbody, the whole of Mr. Horner’s plants were 
his own seedlings. Mr. T. E. Henwood, in a very 
close competition, beat Mr. Douglas for second honours ; 
and Mr. A. J. Sanders, gardener, Bookham Lodge, 
Cobham, was fourth. With six Auriculas Mr. Henwood 
beat Mr. Douglas and Mr. Horner in the order named, 
and Mr. Sanders again came in fourth. Mr. Henwood’s 
varieties were Rev. F. D. Horner, green-edged ; Mrs. 
Potts (Barlow), a lovely plum-purple self, shown well 
in several collections ; Heroine (Horner), Mrs. Dodwell 
(Woodhead), Geo. Lightbody (Headly), and Reliance 
(Mellor). The class for four plants brought out ten 
competitors, and the first four awards all went to 
Reading, Mr. C. Phillips being first with Mrs. Potts 
(Barlow), Dr. Kidd (Douglas), George Lightbody 
(Headly), and Simonite’s Rev. F. D. Horner ; second, 
Mr. G. H. Wheelwright; third, Mr. W. Badcock ; 
fourth, Mr. W. L. Walker ; fifth, Mr. P. J. Worsley, 
Rodney Lodge, Clifton, Bristol ; and sixth, Mr. J. J. 
Keen, Bevoir Town, Southampton. With two plants, 
Mr. Phillips again came in first, with Geo. Lightbody 
and Mrs. Potts ; Mr. G. Wheelwright being second 
with the last named and Rev. F. D. Horner ; Mr. S. 
Barlow, third, with Mrs. Douglas and Greenfinch, a 
green-edged seedling ; Mr. W. L. Walker, fourth ; Mr. 
W. Badcock, fifth ; and Mr. P. J. Worsley, sixth. 
In the single plant classes, the awards went as fol¬ 
lows :— Green-edged: First, Mr. Horner, with Emerald ; 
second, Mr. Wheelwright, with Colonel Taylor (Leigh) ; 
third, Mr. C. Phillips, with Lancashire Hero ; fourth, 
Mr. Douglas, with Monarch (Horner) ; fifth and sixth, 
Mr. Henwood, with Rev. F. D. Horner; seventh, Mr. 
Horner, with Monarch; eighth, Mr. Douglas, with 
Talisman (Simonite). Grey-edged: First, Mr. Wheel¬ 
wright, with Mabel ; second, Mr. Douglas, with Geo. 
Lightbody ; third, Mr. Henwood, with R. Headly ; 
fourth, Mr. W. L. Walker, with Lancashire Hero; 
fifth, Mr. Horner, with Geo. Lightbody ; sixth, Mr. 
C. Phillips, with Marmion ; seventh, Mr. Badcock, 
with Marmion ; eighth, Mr. P. J. Worsley, with R. 
Headly. White-edged, ■. First and second, Mr. Sanders, 
with Conservative (Douglas) ; third and fourth, 
Mr. Douglas, with Acme (Read) ; fifth, Mr. Horner, 
with John Simonite (Walker) ; sixth and seventh, 
Mr. C. Phillips, with Acme (Read); eighth, Mr. 
Badcock, with Conservative. Selfs : First, Mr. 
Henwood, with Mrs. Potts (Barlow) ; second and third, 
Mr. Horner, with Heroine ; fourth, Mr. Henwood, with 
Black Bess (Woodhead); fifth, Mr. Badcock, with 
C. J. Perry (Turner) ; sixth and seventh, Mr. C. 
Phillips, with (Black Bess; eighth, Mr. W. L. Walker, 
with Topsy (Kay). Seedlings— seifs : First and second, 
Mr. Horner, with Buttercup (yellow), and Dimple 
plum-purple. White-edged: First and second, Mr. 
Horner, with Miranda and Snowdrift. Green-edged : 
First, Mr. Horner, with Irreproachable. For fifty 
plants : First, Mr. Douglas ; second, Mr. Turner. 
The Alpine section was more than usually well to 
the fore, the display being brilliant and wonderfully 
attractive to the ordinary visitors. For twelve plants 
Mr. T. E. Henwood was first with Homer, May 
Francis, C. Turner, Defiance, Mrs. Martin, Edith, 
Philip Frost, Love Bird, Miss Blackburn, Sunrise, 
Mungo St. George, and a seedling. Mr. C. Turner 
came in second; Mr. Douglas, third ; and Mr. G. 
Cragg, Crouch End, fourth. For six Alpines, Mr. 
C. Phillips was first with Diadem, Mrs. Dodwell, 
Emperor, and a seedling ; second, Mr. Douglas ; third,- 
Mr. Wheelwright ; fourth, Mr. C. Turner. Four 
Alpines :—first, Mr. G. Wheelright ; second, Mr. 
C. Phillips ; third, Mr. W. L. Walker ; fourth, Mr. 
J. J. Keen ; fifth, Mr. R. Dean. Single specimens :— 
White centres : First, Mr. Turner, with Miss Rae ; 
second, Mr. Henwood, with a seedling; third, not 
named ; fourth, Mr. Turner, with Symmetry ; fifth, 
Tennyson, exhibitor not named. Yellow centres : 
First, Mr. T. E. Henwood, with W. Coomber; 
