HOUSE AND GARDEN 
73 
[" January, 1913 
frost is expected, so as to counteract the 
ultra-drying effect that frost produces. 
The drought caused by extreme cold is 
more fatal in its effects on filmy ferns and 
many other plants than is the drought of 
hot, dry weather, and must enjoy a water 
saturated atmosphere. 
It need not be thought that these dainty 
plants can be grown only in botanical or 
other well-equipped gardens, since even 
amateurs, poor as well as rich, have grown 
them perfectly, and often under many diffi¬ 
culties and by means of many makeshift 
means. A late eminent surgeon had a 
very beautiful collection in his London, 
England, residence, some in window-cases, 
others under bell glasses, and some of the 
hardier kinds in coldframes in a little 
open-air yard. It was a pleasant privilege 
to see the owner and hear him speak of his 
beloved ferns and their history. In Edin¬ 
burgh I once visited a collection of these 
plants grown by a postman named Ander¬ 
son, who took great delight in them, and 
who grew them under cases and bell 
glasses in his house, and in frames and 
tubs or in barrels sunk in his little garden. 
Not only did he grow the common kinds, 
but even the rarest of cool growing forms, 
and he increased his stock by exchange 
with other growers, and even botanical 
gardens. 
The most common of all the filmy ferns 
is the Killarney fern, so called because 
once abundant there and in the south of 
Ireland, although found in other parts of 
the world as well. This is Trichomanes 
radicans, and is very often seen in wardian 
cases or under glass shades in shady rooms 
or windows all over the country. The other 
two kinds are the wild wedding ferns or 
hymenophyllums, viz., H. tunbridgense 
and a form of it known as H. unilaterale 
or H. Wilsonii. Other filmy ferns are 
found pretty nearly all over the world, 
from the Canaries and Madeira to the 
East and West, and some of the largest 
and most beautiful are the tree or tall 
stemmed todeas from New Zealand. T. 
superba, sometimes called the ostrich 
feather fern, is one of the largest and 
most handsome of all when seen at its 
best. It is, moreover, very easily grown, 
and its spreading fronds are of the most 
exquisite texture. Other of these tree 
stemmed kinds are T. pellucida, T. inter¬ 
media, T. Fraseri and the rare T. Wilks- 
iana. One of the most handsome of all 
the trichomanes is T. pluma, an epiphyte 
on the highest mountains of Borneo, where 
the trees are dripping with condensed 
moisture from the clouds. It resembles 
a small drooping todea in habit, but it is 
not at present in cultivation. T. trichoi- 
deum is of much finer tenuity and texture, 
and is far more suitable for a cool and cold 
fernery. For contrast with the last one 
may grow the kidney-shaped T. reniforme, 
which is an exquisite plant found wild on 
the moisture-laden rocks and tree trunks 
of the gullies in New Zealand. 
One of the most hardy and free-grow¬ 
ing of the exotic filmy ferns is Hymeno- 
phyllum demissum, which resembles the 
In beauty of design and finish, Sargent Hardware cannot 
be surpassed. No detail is too small to have the careful 
attention of expert workmen. Designs are worked out with 
minute fidelity. All working parts are carefully fitted. 
The wide variety of Sargent designs includes patterns suitable for every 
building, whatever its uses and style of architecture. These designs are 
derived from authentic sources and are true to the school or period to 
which they belong. 
When you build or remodel, give your personal attention to selection 
of hardware. Specify the use of Sargent Hardware and Locks throughout 
—they will add to the beauty and selling value and are an insurance 
against dissatisfaction and repair bills. 
Write for the Sargent Book of Designs 
We shall be glad to mail you a complimentary copy. Illustrates and 
describes many designs suitable for residences. Our Colonial Book, 
illustrating Glass Knobs, &c., is sent also on request. 
SARGENT & COMPANY, 142 Leonard St., New York. 
Dip Your Shingles Before Laying 
Dipping gives absolute protection — where 
rain gets through between and under shingles, 
as well as to the outer surfaces. Whether applied 
by brushing or dipping, 
Dexter Brothers 
English Shingle Stains 
are better than paint. They protect the shingles 
with preservative, waterproofing oils, yet retain 
the natural texture and beauty of the wood. The 
pure English ground colors cannot fade. 
Write for stained miniature shingles arul Booklet A. 
Dexter Bros. Co., 115 Broad St., Boston 
Branches: 1133 Broadway,N.Y.,218 Race St..Phi I a.,Pa. 
Also makers of Petri fax Cement Coating. 
AGENTS: H. M. Hooker Co., Chicago: F. H. 
McDonald, GiandRspids;F.T.Crowe&Co.. Seattle, 
Spokane,Tacoma, Wash. .and Portland. Ore.: Sher¬ 
man Kimball, San Francisco; A. R.Hale,826 Perdido 
St.: NewOrleans; R.MC.Bullington Co..Richmond, 
Va.; lloffschlager & Co., Honolulu; AND DEALERS. 
through tot 
under shingles 
and wet rots 
them. Dipping 
the shingles two- 
thirds their length 
prevents this. 
In writing to advertisers please mention House and Garden. 
