40 
FRED’K H. HORSFORD, CHARLOTTE, VERMONT 
Hardy Ferns . 
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 distance 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 rnuy 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. 
Adianhun pedal urn. 
ADIANTUM pcdnlum. Maidenhair Fern. One of 
tho most popular species of hardy sorts. It 
makes a good pot-plant, and is at homo in almost 
any good garden soil where sufficient moisture 
is near, and drainage as well. It grows natur¬ 
ally in shade, and also in the sun. Tho picture 
shows tho airy polso of tho Fern, and delicate 
frond texture. N., 15 cts. each, $1.10 per do/..; 
I*., 1H cts. each, $1.40 per do/.. 
ASPLENIUM angustifolium. Spleenwort. A fine, tall 
Spleenwort, growing in moist ravines, and often 
3 feet high. Needs shade and a moist, rich soil. 
N., 12 cts. each, $1.25 per doz.; P. 15 cts. each, 
$1.50 per doz. 
A. platyneuron (A. ebeneum). Usually 9 to 15 inches 
high when fairly established. A fine little Fern, 
with narrow evergreen fronds, found on rocky 
soil. N., 10 cts. each, $1 per doz.; P., 12 cts. 
each, $1.10 per doz. 
A. Filix-ioemina. Lady Fern. Has a larger number 
of cultivated forms in Europe than any of our 
common Ferns. One to 3 feet high, with fine, 
delicate fronds, and very hardy. Shade or sun 
are alike congeninl, if soil is sufficiently rich 
and moist. N., 15 cts. each, $1.15 per doz.; 
P., 18 cts. each, $1.35 per doz. 
A. thelypteroides. Silver Spleenwort. Attains a 
height of 3 feet, and has fronds 3 to 5 inches 
wide. It is one of the Ferns which grow alone, 
if in good, moist soil. N., 12 cts. each, $1 
per doz.; P., 15 cts. each, $1.10 per doz. 
A. Trichomanes. A low, delicate little Fern, 3 to 
5 inches high, growing in dense tufts. Well 
suited to sheltered pockets of the rockery. N., 
15 cts. each; P., 18 cts. each. 
CAMPT0S0RUS rhizophylius. Walking Leaf. Is 
found on the margins of shaded cliffs or rocks, 
where the leaf-mold has formed a good black 
soil, and is always shaded. Where such loca¬ 
tions can be imitated, it is a good plant. Fine 
strong clumps. N., 15 cts. each, $1.10 per doz.; 
P., 17 cts. each, $1.25 per doz. 
CHEILANTHES ianosa (C. vestita). A nice little fern for 
rockwork. Six to 15 inches high. N., 15 cts. 
each, $1.25 per do/..; P., 17c. each, $1.45 per doz. 
CYST0PTERIS bulbifera. Bladder Fern. Its fronds 
are not rarely 2 feet long, but quite narrow. It 
is widest at the bottom and tapers to a narrow 
point at the top. N., 10 cts. each, $1 per doz.; 
P., 11 cts. each, $1.10 per doz. 
C. fragiiis. Brittle Fern. A very frail little Fern, 
common on the face of dry cliffs. N., 10 cts. 
each; P., 11 cts., each. 
A r . preceding the prices , indicates not prepaid; P. indicates prepaid 
