HARDY FERNS. 
Hardy Perns. 
There are said to be about 2,500 species of Ferus in the world, but the greater portion of these 
are tropical species. Probably not more than 50 or 75 of all this number would be hardy enough to 
withstand our northern winters—at least, be successfully grown as hardy plants. The farther 
north we get, the fewer the number of species. There are about 120 specimens on the Isthmus of 
Panama, while the whole of North America north of Mexico contains scarcely 150 species. Those 
that are hardy make very fine foliage plants. There is a great diversity in their sizes and forms, 
and the smaller species are well suited to go into shaded rock-work, while other tall-growing species 
may be used in shaded or partly shaded parts of the garden. The Osmundas are tall-growing, strong 
species. A group of six or more of these planted in a well-prepared soil make a fine display the 
second or third year after planting. If the soil is moist, by using a mulch about them they may be 
grown in the sun. The Ostrich Fern, Ouoclea slruthioftcris ,can also be treated in the same way, 
but the soil must be kept moist. Peat, leaf-mold and sand make good mixtures. Ferns require 
good drainage as well as moisture, and any preparation of soil without drainage is useless. 
ADIANTUM pedatum (Maiden-Hair). This charming native is too well known to need description. 
Attains a height of about 1 foot, forms large tufts or clumps, is quite hardy and easy of culture 
when once established. It likes a moist, drained, gravelly or sandy soil, with leaf-mold and 
shade. Its young buds are so tender that it should be set in early spring, or in autumn. Fine 
clumps, 15 cts. each, $r per dozen, d . 1 
ASPIDIUM aculeatum, var. Braunii. This beautiful Fern is found growing in cool mountain 
ravines, usually along the margins of mountain brooks. The fronds grow in a circle often 2 feet 
by 6 inches wide. It is a chaffy and hairy Fern, easy of culture when once established. 20 cts. 
each, Sr.50 per dozen, c. 
A. acrosticholdcs (Christmas or Dagger Fern). One of the most common and valuable Ferns 
of New England. Its evergreen fronds are already extensively used by the trade in bouquets 
and other decoration. Grows about 2 feet high. Needs a moist, well-drained soil. Will live 
in either shade or sun. Fronds evergreen. 15 cts. each, $1 per dozen, c. 
A. cristatam. 1 or 2 feet high. Frondsabout 3 inches wide. Autumn delivery. 15c. ea., $1 perdoz. . 
