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UR Hardy Ferns fill a place in our North American flora that is worthy 
of our careful study. Nature is very generous in her planting, and 
we And every wooded dell decked with these graceful, flowerless 
gems. They are so easily handled, require so little care, and give 
such general satisfaction, that we cannot well do without them. 
There is such a great variety from which to select that we are sure to And some of 
the number just fitted for the flowerless nook or shaded bank, that could not readily 
be brightened with other plants, or they can bo made to add a charm to the bed or 
bank of flowers: and many dreary places shut out from the sunlight can be made 
brighter by a clump of ferns. Use one-third leaf mould mixed with light garden 
soil in planting. As a rule they delight in a moist, shady situation, yet with good 
drainage; most of the following are of very easy culture and hardy in New England. 
ADIANTUM pedatuin (Maiden Hair) — One of the prettiest. Grows 
about a foot high, in rich 
shades, and seems to respond 
readily to cultivation. This, 
like nearly all the ferns, needs 
good drainage. It will estab¬ 
lish itself in one season, and 
increase in strength year after 
year. Clumps 20 cents each, 
$1.25 per dozen clumps. 
ASPIDIUM acrosliehoides 
(Christmas Fern) — An ever¬ 
green species, about a foot 
high, with deep green fronds, 
simply divided. Although it 
is one of our common species, 
it is a pretty one, and easily 
grown in good garden soil, 
well drained. 15 cents each, 
$1 per dozen. 
aculeatum var. Braunii — A 
more local species, growing 
along the margins of moun¬ 
tain brooks. The fronds are 
often 2 feet in length by 6 
inches in width. Shining 
fronds, which are evergreen. 
20 cents each, $1.50 per dozen, 
cristatum— This species grows 
from 1 to 2 feet, in wet, 
swampy places, with fronds 
• about 3 inches wide. 10 cents 
adiantum pedatum. each, $1 per dozen, 
cristatum var. Clintonianum —In every way larger than the preceding, some¬ 
times attaining a height of 4 feet, with fronds nearly a foot wide. This is a 
showy fern, and not difficult to grow. 15 cents each, $1.25 per dozen. 
Boottii — An intermediate form between cristatum and spinulosum, found spar¬ 
ingly in swamps. Plant it in with cristatum. 20 cents each, $2 per dozen. 
Felix=mas (Male Fern)—A very beautiful and hardy fern, green all the year. 
Rare. 30 cents each. 
