Aspidium Filix-mas. 
Aspidium spinulosum. (See page 36.) 
Hardy Ferns. 
We are told that there are about 2,500 species of Ferns in the whole world, but when we learn how 
e\v or this large number are found in cold countries, in localities subject to the low degrees of temperature 
that our New England states are, we see at once that it is only a small portion that can ever be of value 
hete lot 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 
mix tui e °1 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 
ol 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 
)eloie winter as to make a fine showing the following year. The rockery is a very proper place for many 
herns. 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. 
iDIANTUM pedatum, or Maiden-hair Fern. One of the most popular spe-^ 
cies of hardy sorts. It makes a good pot plant, and is at home in almost 1 
any good garden soil where sufficent moisture is near, and drainage as well. 
It grows naturally in shade, and also in the sun.$o 
/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.. , . . . 
A. acrosticho.des (Christmas, or Dagger Fern). A widely known species ; its 
bonds are used by the trade in bouquets. One of the easiest to manage, and 
about the best evergreen hardy Fern we have. It grows on rocky, half-shaded 
hillsides and in swamps. 
A. Boottii. I have a good opinion of this Fern as one to be depended upon in 
more varieties of soil than most species. Jt is a handsome plant, and attains 
2 leet or more when in good, moist soil. 
A. cristatum. 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 . 
J var - Clintonianum. A much larger plant than the true type of A. cris/a- 
tum ; attains a height of 4 feet when grown under the most favorable condi¬ 
tions. It is usually found in shade. 4 . .. 
A. Filix-ma 8, Is a large, well-shaped Fern, fronds growing in a circle, 
those of the Ostrich Fern. One of the taller class, and one of the best . 
A. —, var. Barnesii .. 
Not prepaid—*,— Prepaid- 
ike 
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I 05 
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I 30 
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I 15 
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i 35 
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I 15 
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1 25 
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I 15 
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