Camptosorus rhizophyllus , or Walking-Leaf. 
(See opposite page ) 
Hardy Ferrjs. 
We are told that there are about 2,500 species of Ferns in the whole world, but when we learn how 
few of this large number are found in cold countries, in localities subject to the low' degrees of tempera¬ 
ture that our New England states are, we see at once that it is only a small portion that can ever be of 
value here for outdoor culture. But of this comparative few, many are very fine decorative species, and 
with 40 to 45 kinds to choose from, a very good showing may be had of Ferns that can be established in 
many places where nothing now grows. They like shade, and where grass cannot be made to live for 
want of light, these handsome foliage plants often thrive. It is necessary to give them a good, dark soil, 
say a mixture of sand, leaf-mold and turf loam, and also to have the soil moist about their roots, with 
perfect drainage. A shady corner under a maple tree, whose roots reach every point for a long dis_ 
tance in all directions, would not be a very good place to set Ferns—better place them all in full sun ; but this 
sort of .shade is not the only shade to be found around most homes. When leaf-mold is not to be had; a 
well-decayed peat will take its place, or a fine chip dirt, well decayed, is excellent. Ferns do well set in 
spring, but they may be set in midsummer by cutting back the fronds, and will so establish themselves 
before winter as to make a fine showing the following year. The rockery is a very proper place for many 
Ferns. Indeed it is the only place for some, if we would give them the same sort of home that they have 
when growing wild. They grow stronger and more beautiful yearly. 
ADIANTUM pedutum, or Maiden-Hair Fern. Is 
one of the most popular species of hardy sorts, and 
a larger number are in cultivation than of any 
other herein offered. It makes a good pot plant, and 
in fact is at home in almost any good garden soil 
where sulfide; 4 moisture is near, and drainage as 
well. It grows naturally in shade, and also in the 
sun. 15 cts. each, $1.10 per doz. e. 
ASPIDIUM aculeatum, var. Braunii. Comes from 
the shaded brooksides of the higher mountains of 
New England. A very handsome Fern, though not 
so common as most of the hardy sorts. 20 cts. each, 
$ 1.50 per doz. e. 
A. acrosticlioides (Christmas, or Dagger Fern). Is a 
widely known species, not only in cultivation, but its 
fronds are used by the trade in bouquets. One of the 
easiest to manage, and is about the best evergreen 
hardy Fern we have. It grows on rocky, half-shaded 
hillsides and in swamps. 15 cts. each., $1 per doz. c. 
A cristatum. Is a small, narrow-fronded plant which 
grows in moist meadows and swamps, but more 
commonly around old stumps and decayed trees in 
open meadows and pastures. It makes one of the 
best plants in cultivation. 15 cts. each, 2 for 25c. d. 
A s/> id turn 1 'ili. r- nuts. 
