WAKE ROBIN FARM, HOME, PENNSYLVANIA 
Of the 8,000 known species of 
ferns in the world, and of the 250 
species in United States and Cana- 
da, we have 12 to offer. These 
are sometimes wanted by collect- 
ors; they can start the new collec- 
tion; but the main use for most 
friends of this Farm is to garnish 
the wild flower garden, the bord- 
ers, byways and copses of the home 
grounds. 
Ferns, like the Club Mosses, are 
descended from giant fern trees of 
the Carboniferous periods, a hun- 
dred or more million years ago, 
solidified into the coal of this reg- 
ion. 

Bracken (Pteridium latiusculum). The soft-green frond spreads, hand-like, at the top 
of a stout stalk, 1 to 3 feet high. Grows luxuriantly, sending up the showy fronds all 
summer. Found in thickets, on hillsides, in moderately acid soil; also in sterile, 
sandy, dry soil, in shade or sunlight. Roots are deep and wide creeping, about 
the size of a pencil, with tough cord and brittle casing. The root starch appeals 
to swine, whence a popular name, “Hog Brake.” The plant has provided many 
human uses, too, such as thatch, stable bedding, and material for packing and 
basket weaving. Young fronds and roasted rootstalk have been eaten and the 
starch has been extracted. “Burning the Bracken” was an English custom to bring 
rain and drive witches away. 25c each; $2.50 for 12. 
Beech Fern, Broad (Phegopteris hexagonoptera). Striking feature is the breadth of 
the triangular frond, 4 to 6 inches, especially attractive in quantity. New plantings 
develop the massed effect by extensive branching and creeping of the wiry roots, just | 
beneath the surface. This fern likes deep shade, with dry, neutral soil. 25c each; 
$2.50 for 12. 
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides). Shining, dark green fronds, 5 to 20 inches 
long, with ladder-like pinne, or leaflets. The pinne are half-dagger-shaped, with a 
spur on one side near the stem. It is called “Dagger Fern” by the florist trade. 
It is so popular for Christmas and cut-flower use that extermination is threatened. 
Favors rocky woods, deep soil, ample shade and good watering. Crowns should be 
planted even with the surface of the ground. 25c each; $2.50 for 12. 
20 

