2 
Edicard Gilleft, Soutinvick, Mass.—Hardy Ferns 
Polypodiuui vulKare (see page 13) 
Hardy Ferns 
The Ferns of New England (about forty kinds) take as readily to cultivation as the 
common garden flowers. While flowers require a sunny place, Ferns delight in some 
shaded nook shut out from the bright sunlight by buildings or trees; they can also be 
grown in boxes or pans on the porch, in the house or under trees, any place that is shaded; 
but are not suitable for house culture in winter, for that is their time of rest: they will not 
respond to any attention given in 
winter unless it be near springtime. 
Soils. We grow the greater share 
of these Ferns in a moist and sandy 
loam soil, well drained, under a cover¬ 
ing of boughs, high enough to work 
under and get among the beds. In 
making the beds, we use for the smaller 
Ferns a good sprinkling of leaf-mold 
and a little well-decayed manure made 
very fine; this is thoroughly mixed 
with the soil, and after the Ferns are 
planted, a little leaf-mold sprinkled 
around the plants tends to keep the 
soil light and porous. Raising the 
beds 2 or 3 inches, a little higher in 
the center, gives better drainage and 
allows the surplus water to drain off. 
The larger and stronger kinds thrive 
in almost any soil, shaded and not 
too wet; they require no special care 
or soil, yet will respond to cultivation 
readily. Order by number if you 
wish. 
Dicksonia punctilobula growing under our fern bower 
