1. home and garden

THE
Fern
Garden.-
HOW
TO
AND
KEEP,
MAKE,
OR,
IT
E^70V
'
K
CULTURE,JVIADE
FE^N
;
EASY,
BY
SHIRLEY
Author
of
"
The
HIBBERD,
Book,"
Rose
','The
Conse"vatory,"
"The
Amateur
s
Amateur's
Floiuer
Garden"
Greenhouse
etc., etc.
EDITION.
NEW
ILLUSTRATED
LONDON
W.
H,
148
L.
AND
"
149,
:
COLLINGRIDGE,
ALDERSGATE
STREET,
E.C
and
LONDON
:
PRINTED
BY
ALDERSGATE
\V.
H.
AND
L.
STREET,
COLLINGRIDGE,
E.G.
PREFACE.
in
Beginnees
perplexed
the
aid
has
written
When
result
the
the
share
of
most
shoot
ray
the
blind
can
be
cheap
of
good
part
over
it
ferns,
bad
books
book
mischief.
"We
books
they
the
fern-loving
are
have
the
on
have
the
technical
heads
friends
of
that
swarm
their
fortunately
but
persuaded
full
plenty
for
elaborate,
beginners.
have
doubt
no
done
and
the
blind
and
subject,
the
of
otherwise.
than
ferns
on
shops
become
having
safely predicated,
afford
to
everybody
lead
to
the
on
knowledge
a
attempt
of
myriads
Almost
disquahfication
a
books
of
requires.
on
much
very
unfitness
consider
to
are
general
book
a
rather
subject
in
beginner
a
culture
abundance
their
fashion
the
the
by
and
subject,
Fern
Some
me
the
and
of
to
It
Preface,
hand
try my
induction
this
on
of
supersede
rank
I send
of
experience,
half
a
in
I have
fern
As
and
be
found
by
thus
the
or
knowledge
of
a
almost
to
are
fill
The
fearful
avoided,
about
names
known
question
and
it bears
every
in
epitome.
S.
in
small
a
the
best
of
so
fern
every
adopted
name
make
previous
who,
week
only
recommended
is
quarter
a
practical part
those
case
gardens.
lowest
qualifiedto
enough
in every
nomenclature
may
dim
very
names
those
nurseries
of
a
has
which
by
and
species.
cultivation
volume,
of
will
problem.
after
the
better
some
solemn
that
in
acquired
had
dozen
be
may
than
writing,
work
take
or
a
me
hope
in
hard
subject, I
little book
to
is for
it forth
of
books
bad
in
it
Whether
is.
the
unskilled
and
it
the
them
century
a
of the
a
of
any
amongst
But
here
and
for
adapted
unlearned
the
pursuit,
volume
small
a
H.
this
CONTENTS.
L
CHAPTER
PAGE
FeENS
Feen
How
I
GBHEBAIi
is
CHAPTER
II.
CHAPTER
IIL
collecting
TO
POEM
AN
OUTDOOE
FeENEET
CHAPTER
Cultivation
Rock
op
IV.
Feens
19
V.
CHAPTER
Cultivation
Maesh
op
Feens
in
26
83
Feeneet
at
the
Management
op
Feen
of
Multiplying
42
rX.
56
Cases
CHAPTER
Aet
VIII.
Fieeside
CHAPTER
The
VII.
Housb
Feen
CHAPTER
The
VI.
Potb
CHAPTER
The
24
.
CHAPTER
Feens
11
Feens
X.
64
Contents.
"I
CHAPTER
XL
PAGE
73
Pebits
British
.
CHAPTER
CULTITATION
OP
GeEENHOUBB
XII.
CHAPTER
PiPTT
CHAPTER
and
Siltbe
"
.
"
"
.
105
XIV.
ii:
.
Gold
.
Feens
Stotb
Select
.
XIII.
CHAFfER
Thibtt
95
"
Feens
Geeeithouse
Select
FEBlTi
oTOVE
AND
XV.
Feens
124
.
CHAPTER
Tbsb
XVL
Fbbns
128
.
.
CHAPTER
Fbbn
XVIL
Allijb
181
.
.
PLATES.
COLOURED
ADIANTUM
ASPLENIUM
CAPILLUS-VENERIS
-
-
Facing Title
VIRIDE
Page.
Page
*="^
"=5c
PAGE
64.
ci^o
PLATES.
Page
A
SHADY
PLANTED
ASPLENIUM
GLEICHENIA
LOMARIA
NEPHRODIUM
SCOLOPENDRIUM
CONSERVATORY
WITH
CORNER,
FERNS,
PRETTILY
I
Etc.
116
FLABELLIFOLIUM
RUPESTRIS
GLAUCESCENS
...
95
73
CILIATA
(LASTREA)
VULGARE
MONTANUM
CRISPUM
...
MULTIFIDUM
18
26
THE
FERX
TO
HOW
GARDEN:
AND
KEEP,
MAKE,
ENJOY
IT
;
OB,
FERN
MADE
CULTURE
CHAPTER
FBRNS
HAVE
I
chapter.
tuft
and
dangerous,
line
of
kingdom
so
population
they really
are
are
but
named
to
all.
large tribes,
the
and
the
most
towering
right
to
rule.
noble
above
the
is
to
this
as
worts;
a
in
to
sub-
a
sub-
of
dark,
but
apparent
the
the
ferns
or
others
consciousness
the
that
so
certainty
mosses,
a
the
sub-kingdom
the
is
proceed
custom
all,associating with
them
to
the
in
them
In
such
liver
of
it
of
averred
at
not
a
up
way
Cryptogamia,
marriages
several
lichens
termed
because
marry
the
that
reader
dry
a
hang
to
friends, belong
my
celebrate
be
indicate
the
for
now
mind
good
a
to
vegetables
scarcely
can
have
warn
Ferns,
GENERAL.
opportunity
straw
to
further.
kingdom
it
of
I.
IN
fine
a
EASY.
that
there
tails,
horse-
filices
freely,
of
The
2
All the
cryptogams
of their most
one
Look
plenty.
almost
you
most
true
in
ripe frond
of
side
dots, or
or
though
But
part, produce seeds
of
get hold
can
is
of, and
will
you
of red,
constellations
.
cases
spore
a
;
within
these
are
seeds, by the germination of which
is
multiplied.
differ from
flowering plants in
and growth. If we
construction
race
Ferns
of their
of
which,
or
distinctions.
under
the
yellow fruit
or
the spores
base
the
sharp lines, or
brown,
the
fern
any
observe
on
; that
destitute of flowers
are
noticeable
they, for
flowerless
Garden.
Fern
a
leaf-stalk of
if left
a
tree
shall find
we
alone, will produce
of fruit the next
There
season.
the axils of fern leaves,not
even
the
a
are
branch
no
in those
principles
examine
bud
a
or
the
there,
cluster
a
buds
such
of the
in
brake,
tree-like in its growth. The growth
peculiarly
of a fern is a sort of perpetuallengtheningout at both
ends.
The
frequently
upward growth, which is more
the subjectof observation
than the growth of the roots,
then of
consists first in a process
of unrolling, and
stems.
of the leaves and
expansion and maturation
Because
of these and other characters which
obviously
of their
and without
reference to the peculiarnature
fruit distinguishthem
from
flowering plants,the
named
several parts of a fern are
to the
differently
corresponding parts in floweringplants. Thus, the
which
true
is
stem
the
the
root-stock
of
a
fern
is called
a
caudex,
frond, the stem which bears
leaf is called the stipes,and the ramifications
of
stipesthrough the leafyportion correspondingto
leaf-stalks of other
of
plants bears the name
the true
the
or
leaf is called
a
Ferns
These
rachis.
troubled
of
the
while
walking
needful
and
headings
if I read
me
emerald
of
Schimperiana,
Polystichum
dianum,
names,
and
would
be
few
a
translate
to
very
But
cut
the
imprudent,
I
assure
you
only compel
forbidding.
Carolina
unamiable
Achillisefolia
you
sure
yel
are
you
person,
is
as
likely to
will
Trichomanes
meet
admire,
to
the
but
a
with
when
radicans.
this
bit
in
you
of
have
thing
English
English
into
possible.
im-
sometimes
say
do
to
Mohria
a
"
of attention
not
be
Amelia
of
them
Gaudichan-
sort
names
books
my
help
Dictyopteris
names
fern
health
Karwinskyanum,
botanical
not
I
Junghuhniana,
thousands
"Wilhelmina
sweet
of
Asplenium
of
the
might
few
slightest amount
plants, they
an
o*"
the
step
There
it
a
endure
must
giving
fernSj for only
obtain
hexagonopterum,
You
purpose
are
Aspidiam
Euphegopteris
to
thought
Alsophila
Plaschnichianum,
megalocarpum.
if you
I
Here
names.
Kequienianum,
Anemia
that
pets glistening with
dew, and
the
to
book.
little
this
names
made
fern-house
green
warm
their
Acrostichum
to
the
the
on
sublime
just
be
need
^e
go
the
have
I
write,
to
we
as
From
through
plumy
my
except
step.
a
inspiration
saw
technicalities
themselves.
is but
8
General.
the
and
save
ferns
ridiculous
all
are
with,
in
spoil the
and
ugly
Skeggs
was
thurifraga
var.
vegetable jewellery
dar's
find
march,
and
I
it, Didymoglossum
am
as
'
Garden.
Fern
The
II.
CHAPTER
thoroughly enjoy or
ferns until after having actually
in hedgerows, woods, and
them
The lady
rivulets,and waterfalls.
BELIEVE
understand
for
hunted
rocks, and
amongst
be
fern may
once
a
upon
allowed
time
can
one
no
Vestris
Madame
sing, as
to
did
:
Througli the woods, through the woods.
find me.
Follow
and
Search
every
I leave but
So those
I
cannot
afford
footstep behind
print of my
the
who
dingle,and dell,
hollow, and
find
would
must
me
search
me
for
;
me
well.
joys of
archseologico-exploring
pic-nicing,
space
enlarge
to
upon
the
the
-collecting,
be associated with
and holidayperambulating that may
the sport. Kindly imagine all this and save
the
me
expenditureof space on anything but the business in
hand.
Ferns are so widely distributed that wherever
a
it is almost
rural walk
is possible,
certain that somewhere
fern
in the district ferns may
counties
of the fern
where
of
collector,but,
our
Devon
hoiu'hood
constitutethe
as
we
must
The
happen
of London
reach
our
to
be
are
than
western
south-
homeparadise
find our
ness
happi-
lot is cast, it is better to make
of the ferns within
and
England
be found.
the most
repineif Cornwall
terra incognita. In the neighlocalities rich in ferns.
many
to
Fern
but
these
as
shall not
for the
are
5
part pretty well known
most
them^ but proceed
enumerate
remarks
Collecting,
at
to
once
I
make
ferns for cultivation.
It is
collecting
that the deciduous
only during the height of summer
kinds ca,n be readilyfound
by inexperiencedcollectors,
and
it is at that
that fern hunting proves
season
a
agreeable pastime. It would be better
particularly
from their native
always if the ferns could be removed
some
sites when
in
the
in
the
on
first about
to
their
growth
sometimes
by
commence
new
be done
spring, and this can
searchingin woods and hedgerows for old fronds, and
The roots
should then
tracingthem to their source.
be taken
without
injuryto the crowns, and be at
up
once
planted or potted as required,and assisted with
shelter
shade
and
until
established
in
the
places
assigned them in the garden. Experienced collectors
hunt
for ferns during the winter to great advantage
may
in districts where
to
abound, as
they are known
kinds
of
event
will be
than
hunting is
may
with
that
carry
soon
season
still green
hartstongue and
in winter
mild
a
and
;
of the
evergreen
polypody,may
common
other
at any
recreation
a
many
for
kinds, such
as
a
time, and
summer
as
be better lifted
But
season.
deciduous
rule fern
any
fern
and be kept
height of summer
the utmost
certaintyfor cultivation; the worst
is likelyto happen is the loss of all the fronds they
the time of taking up ; but a new
at
crop will
be taken
succeed
collector
adapted
them
should
to
in
up
the
explorations.
be
the
if proper
care
provided w^ith
county
Where
in
which
be
aids and
he
The
taken.
implements
is about
only terrestrial and
fern
to
make
hedgerow
kinds
a
have
hot
in each
found, a largebasket, or better,
moderate
ried
size,such as can be carbe
hand,
will be necessary.
lids,because if
fitting
day and exposed for some
close
the
that
of
baskets
pairof
one
a
expectedto
are
Garden.
Fern
The
6
some
packing
and
crowns
them
close
all will be
with
so
to
much
the
should
up
moss
on
sphere,
atmo-
exhausted
injured,whereas
little moist
a
taken
are
hours
will be
roots
die, and
may
ferns
They
by
amongst
kept tolerablyfresh
A
shortbe potted or
until they can
planted out.
handled
three-prongedfork and a trowel,and a strong
them, the
roots
claspknife,will
and
be
will be
crowns
needful
;
and
in
some
instances
it
spade or diggingfork near
the spot where operationsare to take place,for fine old
and other large-growingferns
of royal osmund
roots
When
will defy the leverageof all small hand tools.
ferns of largesize are taken up in the heightof summer,
all or nearly all their fronds at
it is best to cut away
those fronds as packing material.
once, and use
them
to subject
On reachinghome, the best treatment
will be necessary
to
borrow
a
separatelyin the smallest pots
be got into,with cocoa-nut
fibre alone
their roots can
the fibre of good peat or leaf-mould, and
shut them
or
keep only moderately moist until
up in a frame, and
they start into growth. As at this early stage of the
study I may suppose you do not know how to pot them
and restore their energies,
I will endeavour
to pointout a
simplermode of procedure. Find a very shady place
in the garden and there make
bed of leaf mould
a
or
fibre refuse,and plant the ferns
peat soil,or cocoa-nut
in it as close together as possible. Then
them
cover
to
is to
pot them
all
by
Fern
The
8
who
persons
Garden*
collectors
of fern
the title not
merit
so
destroyers. Let every genuine lover of
his guard both to discourage reckless fern
ferns be on
and
maining
collecting,
protect as far as possiblethe few remuch
fern
as
localities of
British
scarce
ferns.
It
is nx)t
heap of dried mosses,
ferns, grasses, "c., in the possessionof a lady, a sheet
This had been
of Tunbridge fern nearlya yard square.
its native site,
rolled up like a piece
from
torn
carefully
since I
years
many
amongst
saw
blanket, and
of old
forth
put
a
and
away,
afterwards
was
trophy,and
rial
preserved as a memoof the days when
went
we
gipsying.^^The value
fresh might have
been about
of that sheet when
"5,
and no doubt any nurseryman
could make
a largersum
of a good square yard of the Tunbridge fern. Such reckless
destruction,such base contempt for the value set
brought
as
a
"
upon
a
fern
rare
and
its
out
of its
those
by
who
understand
habits, and
as
appreciatethe interest
beauty and raritycombined, is
a
crime
;
and
though
punish the perpetrator, except in
mi giltbe an action for trespass or
the duty of every conservator
of our
crimes
of this kind
accompanied
done
alike
with
to
with
the
truthful
natural
is
there
its
history
that
arises
be
to
law
no
where
cases
wilful
sidered
con-
to
there
damage,
it is
native flora to visit
disapprobation,
explanationsof the injury
scenery
sternest
and
to
science
by
such
of
spoliation.
If you
can
dig up ferns in early spring,you may
plant them in your fernery at once, and if shaded
acts
for
care
a
time
and
always not
frequently
sprinkledwith
to
make
the soil about
water,
them
taking
very
wet,
they will
patience is
ensure
begin
soon
You
other
find
learn
soon
plants when
a
growing in, and
those
wall
of
amongst
of it
on
the
Clifton, and
y
as
the
to
You
situation
the
find
mav
will
it is
imitate
pretty
upon
plenty
Suspension Bridge at
the
approaches to
you
in the full sun,
grow
all
When
them.
soil and
rocks.
sandstone
vou
from
attempting its cultivation
nearly as possible. The
in
spleenwortloves
and
with
meet
you
conditions
rue
to
part
your
distinguishferns
to
notice
fern, take
after that
and
vigorously,,
grow
reward.
proper
will
to
only qualityrequiredon
the
your
9
Collecting.
Fern
see
maiden-hair
common
""
w
if you
look sharp. It
spleenwortkeeping it company
is in the shady,dank, almost
drippinghollow, or on the
slope of a water- course, that you are most likelyto
find the lovelylady fern, the hard
fern,and the royal
Osmund, yet these
upon
beside
dry banks
for miles
the
the district.
pollard trees
perched,like
polypody. I
common
In
the
on
wreaths
used
basket
my
playground.
must
not
travel
notice
that
bonuy show
a dustyhighway, where, perhaps,
fern of
lastrea is the prevailing
Forest
sand
always
and
how
thereby learn
there
a
thousands
are
of
stems
of honour, tufts
boy to tear them
birdnesting,for that
If you
far,but
to
want
if you
it grows
peat, though
to
would
not
ofi" to
forest
poor
always
they
they look when
to
to
persuade them
are
line
was
you
cultivate it you
grandest stature
is rather
of
common
the bracken
see
its
which
of the
a
mellow, yellowishloam, and
on
make
awkward
when
when
with
sometimes
Epping
my
need
will
are
so.
at
and
on
stunted
Observe
home,
and
believe themselves
when
home
at
thrive
Some
top, and
mountain
on
make
like
However
impressed
much
thing
rare
to
in water.
of
the
a
brook
little islets that
them
;
they
and
they leap for flies,and
rises
Yes, it
is upon
summer
and
is
there
you
and
of
are
a
now
nourishing
there
is
book
"
on
feet
the
see
Book
slopes
where
make
when
that
vapour
fronds.
to
you
of
grow
moisture
against the
of the
upon
about
where
fern-growing
it is the
clear
it passes
as
love
ferns
shade
favorites, and
your
reading
some
all you
Note
better
that
drink
to
shining
their
most
a
proudly
trout
rarelylodges,but
water
sun.
ways
soft
slopes mostly
abundant,
the
it
"
naturally
their
round
hummocks
the
it is
sing
to
stream
night amongst
places where
in
is
and
day
the
any
it were,
stand
or
tiny splashes
the
enjoy
can
water;
compel
banks
on
or
the
than
its roots
as
of
lesson
one
lodge safelyon
and
current,
fruit.
habits
the
be
by, they keep
passes
dip towards
that
with
they congregate,
that
the
growing
fern
they
feathery
moisture,
love
they
of
be
may
which
deeply
more
bleak
mysterious
should
as
When
from
away
see
of
ferns, there
mind
group
green
learn
you
your
upon
this,that,
is
of
kinds
their
brick,
the
on
caverns,
may
lessons
many
several
the
of
fairy palaces with
dottings
golden
and
plumes
roofs
and
sides
the
found
glorious
a
many
garden.
and
stone
others
shade,
woodland
moist
in the
others
of
perpendicular walls
on
the
in
them
planted
have
you
Garden,
Fern
The
10
day
noon-
whereabouts
will
find
than
Nature.
the
that
one
;
How
to
form
Outdoor
an
III.
CHAPTER
HOW
O
TO
the
is
cannot
or
the
to
be
Lastrea
will grow
interest
of half
of the
able
Filix
dozen
be
able
itinerant
which
mas,
if you
even
a
may
supply you
to
subject,make
the
in
outset,
very
collectingyou
go
FERNERY.
OUTDOOR
names
tempting basket
sure
AN
keep up your
ferneryat the
know
you
FORM
11
Fernery,
fern
with
is the
do not
If
ferns.
to
a
dip into
vendor, who
the
hardiest
Male
fern,
of all,and
almost
anywhere; the Lady fern,or Athyrium
Filix foemina; the Hard
fern,or Blechnum
spicant; and
the Hartstongue fern, or Scolopendriumvulgare. With
make
these four you
can
a
good beginning. It is
sort of
ferneryof some
because
rockwork/' and for two good reasons^ first,
played
disthe forms
and hues of ferns are
more
effectually
usual
to
the
construct
outdoor
"
when
stones
or
their
dark
bright green
burrs
from
the
tufts rise out
brick
of grey
kiln; second,
they thrive better,when planted in gardens,if
their roots
are
protectedfrom excessive evaporationby
and vitreous masses.
the coveringof the soil with stones
Many a tinyfernerydo I see in my travels placedat
because
the
entrances
should
never
to
country
think
of
and
quietand pleasing,
villas and
cottages,where
placing them, yet they
suggest to all passers by
I
look
that
The
12
robust-growingferns should
speaking;the common
if
quantityof
a
with
mixed
little ferneries
constructed^ only the
are
the soil of the
If there
is any
most
be
can
doubt
about
sandy
some
ferns
where
common
a
fibre
cocoa-nut
placebeing suitable;get
peaty earth from
and
commonest
rally
planted in them. Genesoil of the placewill do^ but
or
better.
like
be
leaf mould
it the
the
cation
vegetablesplendourvindi-
When
unnecessary.
was
these
of
forms
demonstrative
vindicate
to
great harvest^ knowing that for
of God's
quietbeauties
Garden.
did their best
plantedthem
those who
more
Fern
and
or
heather
plenty^ and have enough to raise the
it with
positionabove the general level, then cover
There
stones
burrs, and plant the ferns between.
or
of fernery,
sorts well adapted for this simplestform
are
namely, the four justnamed, as likelyto be found in
the
dealer's
the
fern
basket, and
following: tlie
Bracken
Brake, Pteris aquilina,the Broad
or
Prickly
are
in
found
"
Buckler
regalis,the
munda
gare,
dilatataythe royal Osmund,
fern, Lastrea
Polypody, Polypodium vuU
fern, Polystichum aculeatum.
if the soil is a mellow, frial)le
common
Shield
the Common
Many more
may be added
yellow loam, with plenty of
well to get
a
little used
Os-
to
sand
ferns
in
it,but
before
it will
be
launching out
into
had
have
some
grand speculations.AVhen
you
and have, perhaps, succeeded
practicein this humble
way,
in growing a few ferns in pots in a frame or in
in the drawing-room, you "-villbecome
a fern
case
bitious,
amand
perhaps,a
scheme.
resolve
model
of
on
a
having
ruin
a
for the
grani fernery,with,
main
feature
of the
How
Outdoor
to
form
Fernery.
13
of tree roots
usually formed
and banks
of earth, picturesquely
disposedand planted
with ferns severally
adapted to the sites and positions
the schenie affords.
Where
there are
livingtrees on
the spot (and the shade of largetrees is desirable),
or
near
the use
of roots
is objectionable,
because
of the
of fungi which
to be produced,the
are
sure
quantities
find its way
the
mycelium from which may
among
But
vast
havoc.
this
even
living roots and commit
in cases
where roots
danger is worth riskingsometimes
and butts are plentiful
the spot,and it is undesirable
on
to
incur
banks
or
ferneries
Outdoor
an
earth-works
clay,into
will send
upper
which
their
and
crust
The
great expense.
any
and
are
for ferns
many
of the
when
roots
burrs, "c., should
should
all
be
established.
in
filling
But
between
of half peat and
consist
of
good loam
stronger-growingkinds
well
the stuff for
foundation
the
roots,
half
silky
which
mixture
yellow loam, or some
nearlyapproximates
in character to such a combination.
Thus, good
loam with well-rotted
cocoa-nut
fibre,or loam mixed
with yellowleaf-mould
and manure
that has lain by three
four years till rotted to powder.
It is best to comor
plete
the structure
and fill in all the more
important
places intended for soil before insertingany of the
be
that the work
must
plants,for the simple reason
firm, the soil well rammed
scheme
so
substantial
portion shrinking
roots
in, and
that there will be
away
they are
set.
whole
no
afterwards, and
of the ferns without
crevices between
the
the blocks
soil,or
and
causing
the
banks
of the
fear of any
leaving
the
hollows
and
into which
u
The
Fern
Garden.
shoTringhow
nooks
the bracken
grows
The
the walls.
amongst
Garden.
Fern
The
16
the rubbish
on
whole
scheme
heaps in
is planted
flowering Alpine and rock
plants,every positionhaving forms of vegetationsuited
the walk passes through,
to it. Thus, at the base,where
there are great tufts of lastrea and lady fern ; on the
summit^ crowning the work, and rootinginto the great
of earth, the common
mass
polypody thrives as bravely
the pollardalders and oaks in Epping Forest.
as
on
the face of the wall,grow
on
High up in dry positions,
the Wall Rue, Asplenium rut a-mur
aria, the Maidenhair
with many
varieties
spleenwort,Asplenium trichomanes
of sempervivum, sedum, thyme, and other plants that
love such
positions. On the smaller knolls, and in
half-shaded bays,where
there is a good depth of earth,
lovelytufts of the Parsleyfern,Allosorus
may be seen
choice
tasselled varieties of Hartscrispus,the most
fern, Cystopterisfragilis.
tongue, the delicate Bladder
the banks
On
towers
around, the giant bracken
up
a^ove our heads, and other ferns of large growth congregate
with
ferns, and
various
,
in rich
masses.
formed
to separate the
My bastion is part of a screen
pleasuredivision of the garden from the experimental,
and with it are
connected
number
of features,such
a
rustic house
used
as
a
as
a
summer
reading-room,a
bee-house,some
great tree butts planted with ferns,
ivies,and
grasses.
be afforded
ways,
of which
shall have
but
am
che imitation
central idea out
We
I
as
I
am
satisfied that where
of
to
to refer to
resolved
ruin
space
is the best
can
possible
developa fernery.
rockeries
again in various
to make
no
long,tedious
a
How
chaptersif
advices
I
to
form
an
help it,I
can
Provide
as
will here offer
aspects and
many
Fernery,
variety of
ferns you
general
paltryins
of
and
let
space and materials sufficient,
somewhat
intricate in order to obtain a
outs^ but if you
be
few
as
degrees of declivity
One
irregular
slightly
possiblewithin certain limits.
bank is to be preferredto a number
the work
a
17
of doors.
of ferneries out
the formation
on
Outdoor
have
conditions
intend
to
suit the
to
habits of the
various
grow.
absolutely
necessary, as it
moist
roots
enough during
in shallow
of the year if they are
the hottest months
sphere.
soil,of which a large surface is exposed to the atmoIt is particularly
important to bear this in
tended
mind
in constructingthe walls of a ruin, if it is inA
in the walls.
to plant ferns on
or
space of
Large bodies of soil are
is impossibleto keep the
one
foot
clear,filled in
with
of the wall, is the least that should
smallest
construction
the
earth,between
of the kind
;
be
two
two
allowed
or
faces
in
the
three feet of
large
required in a ruin of dimensions
as
a garden-houseor
reading-room.
enough to serve
and apparent neglectin the arrangeAim
at wildness
ments
certain point. Dirt and disorder are
to
a
up
as
injuriousto the ferns as to the morals of those who
desirable
such things,but primness is not
encourage
in a fernery; the effects should tend towards the rustic
than
the refined,and the materials used
to
rather
throughout should be of the quietestcolours ; no ^qw
no
plaster casts, no blocks of coral or shiny
gaws,
earth
will
be
shells should
be mixed
up
with
the work.
Robust-growing ferns planted on
banks
and
2
mounds
of
best
well the
Pretty
will
loam
mellow
good
Garden,
Fern
The
18
do for them
can
vou
cultivating.
scarcelywant
is to
leave
pinnaclesand in
where
other positions
they are likelyto get very dry
but in
have the aid of water, not only in summer
must
winter,also on every occasion when dry weather prevails
for any lengthof time.
Many plantsso situated perish
by desiccation during the prevalenceof east winds in
March, when because the weather is gold and they are
them
But
alone.
cultivator
growing,the
not
rather he
; or
ferns
is
on
think
to
apt
to think
is apt not
water
necessary
un-
the
about
at all.
the water
or
elevated
those
ferns that
Small-grrowinc^ delicate habited
in
are
ex-
should
have protection
rockeries
posed positionson
frost.
A
flower-potmay be inverted
during severe
be placed over
little clean hay may
them
or
a
over
of
and kept from blowing away by means
their crowns
fibre or sand may be heaped
a few
pegs, or cocoa-nut
up
round
when
and
the
them,
to
be
begin
to
throw
over
crowns
taken
away
up
new
of
course
fronds
in
spring. Always wait for mild moist weather to remove
is suddenly
for if the swellingcrown
such protection,
shrivel and
exposed to a cuttingeast wind, it may
perish,instead of throwing up its emerald tassels in
of the tender spring.
token of the return
Thus
far
we
considered
have
outdoor
regarded them
superstructures. TV'e might have
substructures.
quarry
to
At
ferneryof it ; and
tempted to throw
littlehard
work
all events, I should
mine
become
ferneries
like for
day that I might
perhaps lackinga quarry, I
some
myself into a
and patiencemake
as
as
old
an
make
a
may be
gravelpit,and by a
a
fern
garden
of it.
Cultivation
of Rock
CHAPTER
CULTIVATION
have
JOU
many
of the
rocks
and
found
in
damp
from
the
sun
19
IV.
OF
taken
Ferns^
ROCK
notice
FERNS.
fern
when
smaller
kinds
are
that
collecting
only found on
old walls,or, at all events,
hollows
and
or
the
in
placesover
breeze.
Now^
much
The
sheltered
ferns
advance
will
in
probably
all the rest.
than
more
vou
never
all such
require peculiar treatment, and as you
varieties
practicethe rock and wall-loving
interest
are
first requisiteto
is to
success
plant them
where
it is
impossiblefor water to become
stagnant about
In plantingthem on
their roots.
a rockery it is a good
plan to take out a quantityof the soil frcnn the place
the fern is to be, and introduce soil specially
where
prepared
for it.
In
preparingthe
flower-potsand
broken
or
and
these
upon
the compost, and
Nearly
mixture
of
all the
where
be
let there
or
the
full
one
small
be
a
lot of broken
stones
full nine
let it be raised into
of this
ferns
class
into the
inches
a
bricks
holes,
depth
of
hillock.
will thrive
in
a
yellow loam of a silkynature,
the top crust of sandy soil from a common
lingand the brake grow together. There
equal parts
fibrous peat
must
stations put
fourth
of
of sand
in the mixture, but the
The
20
loam
or
need
be added.
peat may
Fern
contain
as
If the loam
Garden.
much
that, and
as
and
the
sharp sand
peat
are
no
more
both
of
in
quantities
equalto
third of the bulk, and mix all well
fourth or even
one
one
together. Never use siftedsoil for ferns (exceptin the
of seedlings,
to be spoken of in a future chapter),
case
but have
all lumps broken
to the size of walnuts
or
hazel nuts, and mix fine and coarse
together.
In planting the ferns, those that have
a
creeping
be slightly
rhizome or root stock must
covered, and it
be necessary to fix them
in their placeswith a few
may
Do not cover
them
deeply,only so much in fact
pegs.
of the rhizomes
to
as
by drying
prevent exhaustion
time
winds until they can
make
fresh roots, by which
the frequentsprinklings
they are subjectedto will have
will then
washed
the mulching ofi^the rhizomes, which
be left in their natural positionon and not in the soil.
few remarks
It will be well perhaps to make
a
on
an
unctuous
nature, add
Allosorus
into this group.
species which come
a charming
parsleyfern,makes
crispus,the mountain
tuft on
a
rockery; it is fond of stone, and abhors
cayed
damp. I find that a mixture of equal parts peat, de-
the
cocoa-nut
suits
fibre,and broken
admirably.
It must
pots or broken
be
shaded,
or
stone
hearththe
new
growth soon
goes rusty.
maidenhair
the black
Asplenium adiantum
nigrum,
spleenwort,is rarelymet with but in positionselevated
shade and shelter,
above the ground ; it greatlyneeds
and
will thrive
in
any
peaty mixture,
or
in broken
pots alone.
Asplenium ruta
muraria, the wall
rue,
requiresa
very
The
22
six inches
of
a
mixture
of the
in the centre
Plant
consistingof sandy peat, sphagnum,
sandstone
broken
and
Garden.
Fern
or
hearthstone.
common
station,and placea
bell- glass
and
give air periodically.
and leave
the glass,
When
it is well established,remove
with
of itself. If the ferneryis supplied
it to take care
of those
of water, Cystopteris
is one
montana
a stream
which
should
be planted on
a
ledge of rock where it
of water
have the benefit of a daily trickling
can
over
over
;
keep constantlymoist,
its rhizomes.
Lastrea
hay-scentedfern,better known,
to
perhaps,as L. oreopteris requiressimilar treatment
that recommended
for Cystopterismontana, but should
have a soil more
It can
scarcely
incliningto loam.
montana
"
the
"
have
too
water, provided the positionin which
much
it
is
plantedadmits of it readilyflowingaway.
Polypodium vulgare,the common
polypody,will grow
in almost
any position except in a sheer marsh, and
there it soon
perishes. When
growing wild in the
on
woods, whether
pollardtrees or moist banks, it is
and
invariablyfound riotingin depositsof leaf-mould
wood
rotted to powder. Pure cocoa-nut
fibre,or equal
fibre and
parts of the
and
very
hummocks
mellow
dry, tough, fibrypeat,
of grass,
this
be
one
the autumn
sunshine
In
and
beautiful
winter
in which
leaf-mould,
there
are
old
well,but
grows
more
very dry positionwhere
it,but sprinkleddailyall the
a
fern will attain to
of the most
pure
soils that suit this fine fern to
are
perfection.It will bear
luxuriantlyin the shade.
water
no
can
lodge about
summer,
loam,
in
months.
grand dimensions, and
the collection all through
Cultivation
of
dry position,and
requires a
the
Robertianum,
Polypodium
Ferns.
Rock
a
23
limestone
mixture
polypody,
of
sandy
loam
must
have
chalk.
and
ilvensis, the
Woodsia
shade
Make
and
a
shelter
:
little hollow
substances.
Fill with
silver sand.
In
G-EOrP
and
OF
the
broken
of
this the
oblong AVoodsia,
a
bricks, or
of
mixture
plant will
S:C0T.OPEVT""RTr:\I'=!
perfect
most
ox
other
yellow
luxuriate.
EOCir-TVOElI.
drainaoe.
porous
loam
and
Fern
Garden.
CHAPTER
V.
The
24
will be
HIS
there
are
a
very
chapter,just because
short
ferns.
marsh
no
FERNS.
MARSH
OF
CULTIVATION
I remarked
as
much
Chapter III, and pointedout that the most
moisture- lovingof them
managed usuallyto keep out
ferns
wish
to plant some
But you may
of the water.
a
or
beside a stream, or
near
fountain,or
an
on
islet,
in
in
some
proper
other
here
to
and
position,
damp
peculiarly
name
the most
it will be
suitable.
in moisture,
the royalfern,delights
regalis,
if it is growing in a great bed of spongy
especially
Osrtiunda
peat.
"With
such
aids
and
a
warm
climate
it will
overtop the tallest man, but if it only attains a height
like a palm
of five feet,it is a noble
object,as much
plantof Englishgrowth.
Athyrium FUix foemina^the lady fern,delightsin a
similar position. This has no
palm-likeaspect,but is
rather to be compared with a plume of ostrich feathers
intense and delicate tint of yellowishgreen.
of the most
as
any
Lastrea
the
thelypteris,
charming speciesfor
a
female
very
fast,literally
carpetingthe
green
most
Blechnum
buckler
fern,is another
and it spreads
damp position,
ground with pale greyish-
textured
delicately
spicant,the hard
fronds.
fern, will attain
grand
Cultivation
and
dimensions,
in
damp
in
grandly as
so
when
fern
hunting in
Osmund
the
There
peat. I
never
a
was
the
of fruitful fronds
struck
Oakshot
near
once
upon
in
Surrey.
equal in stature, and the
blechnum
just reached my chin.
my
fruitingfronds of the
It was
a very
damp spongy
little above
gully I
wood
25
this and the Osmunda
saw
wet
a
Ferns.
abundance
produce
spongy
grow
of Marsh
spot, yet the
ferns stood
a
line.
water
Charming plantsto associate with the moisture-loving
ferns are the Equisetums or Horsetails.
Get Equisetum
sylvaticum if you can, and plant it in wet spongy peat
in a sheltered nook, and
tion
you will have a bit of vegetathat
it is
a
will
"
that
you
especialmanner
land
of
the
proud
is,if
you
plant is,
"
of the
land
happen
if not, be
to
the land
be
a
not
in
of ferns, it is at all events
love them.
TELIX
of which
glad now
here, for if this is
came
people who
ATHYEiril
you
that
native,
Britisher,which
then
make
FCEMINA,
YAK.
FEIZELLI^.
true
and
anv
the
Garden.
Fern
The
26
CHAPTER
VI.
IN
FERNS
|ET
US
now
Ferns
are
make
To
more
and
care
rockery,because
objectswhen
skill than
well grown
well
them
grow
more
for
difficulties.
do not
great
Begin
a
hand
got your
with
of the
at
few
a
in
success
in
mind
your
all times
at
have
with
stant
con-
be
not
but
commonest,
until
varieties,
rare
in the
part, take
first do
attended
plantsto get used
There
fail at
you
practiceis
rush
and
of
secret
class of
If
the
make
them
growing
there
attention.
as
in pots demands
they, for the most
of themselves.
But
pot plants are
and must
dependent on the cultivator,
care
practice.
in
advance
another
beautiful
plants.
pot
POTS,
you
the work.
couraged
disfew
and
have
It is
cultivatingany
a
particular
to them.
philosophyin the last
and peculiarly
to the
sentence, and it appliesdirectly
before us.
Whoever
subjectnow
hopes to succeed in
fern growing must
first grow
few in order to get
a
used to them, and having got used to them
tions
operais
be
may
with
extended
too
and
much
at
of
and
money
but
remuneration;
first will find
be
may
that
have
hope and enthusiasm
disappointmentsin the early stages
money
for
volume
prospect of
some
attempts
whole
a
spent
whoever
eff'ort and
been
wasted,
of
pursuit
a
X3
c
o
o
r
o
o
s
O)
in
m
CD
z
D
O
-f
o
o
s:2
^
CD
f^
"
o
-J
r-
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The
28
has the
and
all the
loam
Such
intermingledwith it,
this is very abundant,
of brake
fleshyroots
better.
Garden,
Fern
as
generallyprevailswhere
luxuriantlyin the hedgerows. One
it
indeed
brake
the
grows
part thoroughly
decayed leaf mouldy which should be black and gritty,
bish
free from fungus, and from bits of iron and other rubwhich
gardenerstoo often allow to get mixed up
well
with it. One part silver-sand. Mix these ingredients
together; break all lumps to the size of walnuts; do
sift it, and
not
will not grow
grey
to
be visible
and
hue
on
endeavour
account
any
compost
a
as
It should
granular appearance.
a
to
fine as dust
prepared,
perfection. When
throughout the mass, giving
Indeed,
plant
any
should
the sand
a
not
it fine like dust.
make
it
do
only moderately moist, not wet, free from large
Now
a
pleasantfeel in the hand.
stones, and have
side a heap of the toughest and largest
draw
to one
be
pieces of
shall call
fibre and
rough stuff. Next
heap of green
and fresh,that
a
to
they
moss,
or,
if
the
lot to the size of peas.
not
are
to have
clean
inside
thrive, and if they did
we
we
lay ready for use a small
not
tolerablytough
green,
Next
is to
pottingis
this
mixture;
say, not rotten.
flower-potsto the size of
lot of
another
from
loam
new
and
break
up
crown-pieces,and
The
last job preparatory
or
quiteclean pots. If
out, the
should
not
ferns
will
like them
not
for it.
pottingis very simple,yet it is usually
the hole
badly done by beginners. First place over
side downwards
in the pot a picked potsherd,hollow
;
side downwards, a few piecesall
then lay,also hollow
The
round,
process of
to
cover
the bottom
of the
pot, and
then
add
a
in Pots.
Ferns
good
a
handful
thin
of the
then
it with
the
layer of
the
and
spread
rough
place
rim
the
centre, level with
in the
crown
thin
a
the fern in the left hand
take
stuffyand then
Next
potsherds.
smallest
layer of moss^
29
of
spread,so that when
earth is put upon
them
they will not be cramped up in
in the right hand, and
Take
the compost
bunch.
a
then with
till the pot is full,and
pour it in all round
the
pot, and
the
thumb
round
in
the
of each
hand
the soil and
golden rule
plantin a pot, and
a
the earth
to press
a
tap
the board
on
no
loosely,
are
that
propose
at
least.
soil
with
on
We
which
coal
Suppose
the 1st
do with
to
we
want
frame
a
this dozen
is to
be
easy
potted them
of
of ferns ?
face the north
to
that
had
we
one
dry spot, rather
a
the frame
have
There
thrive.
ashes, and
we
of space
in
success
garden, and
until they have
ferns
our
inch
an
top edge of the pot.
of the
quietcorner
about
half
be
required,so
as
growing any kind of
be afraid
it is to pot firm. Do
not
in round tbe roots, and give the pot
touch ; when
at the finishing
potted
for
fit up
we
soil
more
will
the
plant can
what
Now,
down, turning the pot
it
press
finished there
between
to
roots
doing,adding
so
that when
is
allow
access
from
the
no
some
boast
yearnsgrowing
sheltered; the
should
stand
of
make
in
I
at
be covered
all
seasons.
30tli of IMaroh
ferns may
be potted at any time,
May
but when
growth is the 5)
they are just startinginto new
best time
shall we
do with
the next
questionis,What
them ?
It is but little they require; first place them
in the frame, next water
them
with a common
wateringto
"
"
pot with
a
fine
rose
on
the
spout.
When
you
get used
ferns,,
you
to
wish
you
the
to wet
now,
because,
wash
half the earth
as
fronds,but
are
you
used
not
rose,, unless
the
use
might
them, you
to
pots by
sudden
a
rose
dash
contingencynot possiblewhen the rose is
these plants
in watering.All through the summer
want
a little water
every other day at least,and it
of water,
used
will
should
a
be
moisten
given
very
and
in the very
day
with
Not
the
dry
weather
drenching
less
hottest weather
wall
important is the givingof
faces north, the light may
the
to
of
and
wood
it
draw
or
to
as
twice
a
form
up
as
to
of
it,or
on
a
it efficient to
If this cannot
place,lay a mat upon
with blocks
it slightly
so
empty flower-pots,
on
sort
a
its
tilt
If
light.
stood
hung
mat
a
be
of sunshine.
light in
down, and
so
air and
it will render
to
full blaze
the
done, put
plants,and
tacked
canvas
off the
screen
necessary,
water
may
you
and
In very hot
them.
dailywatering will be
end, leaning againstthe back,
breadth
all over,
benefit.
frame
south
fronds
the
wet
to
as
so
the soil without
and
be
must
you
of the
out
the
without
them
water
may
Garden.
Fern
The
80
allow
a
current
it
of
of
through. In this state it is to remain from
the 1st of May to the 1st of September, during the day
earlier
draw
at sunset
or
time only. Every evening
have the
that the plants may
the light oflP altogether,
full daylightas long as it lasts,the dews all night,and
the full daylight again in the morning till about
air to pass
"
9
"
a.m.
On
the
most
crammed
1st
luxuriant
of
September
appearance,
full of roots.
Shift
your
and
them
plants will
the
have
pots will
all into
a
be
pots the
Ferns
in Pots.
31
largerwithout breaking their balls of roots,
and let the operation be performed in preciselythe
Take
ofiF the
as
same
manner
already described.
shading,and givethe plantsvery much air both day and
During very brightsunshine
night for another month.
size
next
for
them
shade
hour
an
morning
Continue
to
by
them
a
the
week
in the
the
pots.
light; if
the lightj
and
care
particular
material.
Due
be
had
as
When
frost occurs,
the
frost increases
strew
to
not
their
to
in
the liorhts on,
few
lav
mats
on
severity,take off
the plants,
taking
with
crowns
once
the soil
sodden
a
shut
sufficient
crowns,
throw
dry hay amongst
cover
Put
on
this protecting^
drv
some
straw
or
the
necessary.
the
Whenever
amounts
water
to
over
a
few
the
is
weather
mild,
onlyto
be
or
degreesat night,continue
crowns
once
a
week;
suspended when the
Give air as often as possible,
never
thoroughlywet, and keep them
is
the
all.
glass,and then lay a good mat over
neglect these precautions,you will probably
you
lose tiny of your
plants,for they are all hardy;
the effect of frost upon them
will be that they will
later in growing in springthan if they
two
or
a week
insist on protection
been protected,
and so I must
hay
not
have
frost occurs,
their
moist, but
crowns
the
If
let them
light all day, and
off the
gentlyover
water
pour
make
to
that date, until
night, take
at
up
but
;
and
After
week.
a
once
two
evening, and the night dew.
water
as
before,but give less and less,so
1st of October
they will be watered only
sunshine
that
or
in
the
to
frost
only
pour alittle
fact,that operation
weather
is
severe.
really
allow them
safe from
to
being
become
frozen.
The
3a
Garden.
Fern
majority of amateur
plantsto go dry as dust
fern growers
The
allow
winter,and
all
their pot
the consequence
they grow very poorly in the early part of the
scarcelygrow at all till June,
followingseason
; in fact,
fronds ought to be all completed.
by which time their new
It is a grand secret of success
to keep their
all the winter long.
crowns
freelymoistened
is that
The
best
next
March.
Proceed
You
now
have
hold
them.
will
longer
to shift them
time
will be
before,using pots
as
fine
specimens.
You
size
one
The
build
a
of
larger.
will
frame
either
must
the 1st
no
house
green-
cient
keep them in, or you must have a pit of suffidepth to givethem head room, or you must make
a
rockery and plant them all out in it,or you must
all by splitting
them
asunder
with a knife
divide them
rightthrough the crown, and pot all the pieces,or you
sell them
and retire on the proceeds. It cannot
must
to
business
be my
what
made
suffices that I have
will be enabled
and
find in
becomes
this
volume
You
or
and
essentials to
shade
success
this part of the
have
very
if you
are
to the
use
little
ever
you
carryingthose
a
fern
paper,
that
learnt that
rather
in fern
practiseall
growing which
other
any
from
of you,
and
will have
peaty, fibrous soil ;
after this date ; it
fern grower
to understand
suggestionson
to.
referring
of
a
of them
a
growing, and
well
learn in the way
you
may
worth
clean,granular,
sunshine, are
as
you
the directions
be
may
still,
warm^
I may
and
and
the
to
moist
principal
make
say that
of
mosphere
at-
short
you
principles
;
to excel in fern growing, it will be owing
make
of observation
and experiencein
into effect.
principles
more
to
The
House,
Fern
CHAPTEU
THE
E
and
on
HOUSE.
FERN
We
please/^
how
VII.
becoming
now
are
advance
^^
want
a
expensiveand
fern
house
increase with
wants
our
33
of taste.
just double
the
Any
hard
oh
"
dear !
increase of knowledge
could live
man
tented
con-
he
of income
amount
to
has
could
time
promise
of advancingfrom a
to be satisfied if he could be sure
frame to a house, or from a house to another and a larger
house, and from such ferns as anybody could grow in
cool ferneryto tree ferns of giganticgrowth,
modest
a
and the gorgeous
superha,which is perhaps
Leptopteris
the loveliest fern in the world, and rather too dear as
fern
for the humble
care
yet, and needing too much
already,and
ever
grower
By
a
the fern grower
to
about
dream
fern house
I
mean
at
any
it.
some
sort of
cave
or
rockery
glassand with or without heatingapparatus.
The best example of a ferneryof this sort I know
of,
be seen
at Messrs.
the publichave access, may
to which
It is trulya garden
Veitch and Sons' nursery, Chelsea.
covered with
with
every
gravelwalks
hand
the
delicious verdure
a
amidst
ferns
or
gloriousconfusion
rocks
and
waterfalls,and
present themselves
in
sheets
on
of
in
or
masses,
waving palm-like
of brake and lastrea intermingled
in
3
The
34
Garden,
Fern
attended
the
planting.
of privategardeners where
hundreds
I could mention
beautiful ferneries under
I have
glass,but the
seen
Pardon
reader vrould gain nothing by the list.
my
boldness,but in truth I have scarcelymet with a fernery
though
to surpass Mrs. Hibberd's in beauty and interest,
as
if the
it is
dryads themselves
about
Given,
we
a
I will tell you
scale.
extremelysmall
an
on
to
thing
some-
it.
in the walls of
recess
It is of
do with it ?
use
no
a
house, and
what
shall
put the questionto
to
as
as
giving answers
required,
represented
because an honest echo could only reply, Do with it !''
which, at the best, would be ambiguous, and might be
with it !^' In a certain
Do
supposed to mean,
away
that is justwhat I have done; for,by converting
sense
but a
it is a recess
into a fernery,
no
the recess
more,
rated
part and parcelof the garden,and yet not utterlysepaallow
few
the dwelling-house. Please
from
a
echo, who
is
"
"
hap-hazardlines
If you
to
represent the
suppose
A
to be
in the
case
one
first instance.
side of the
house,
4
and
C another
the wall
or
by
side,then
requiringto
some
be
construction
B will be the
occupiedin
to
some
be blotted
recess
way
out.
or
or
hole in
other,
Letter
A
Fern
The
36
Garden.
position. In the cut the
sunny
any more
with a stage for floweringplants,as
shown
In the
constructed.
of time,
course
is
house
originally
buildingand
some
planting took place a little way off towards the west,
and the nice gleam of sunlightthat enlivened, the house
blocked
from 2 p.m. till sunset
was
out, and
effectually
unfit for floweringplants. Instead
the house became
voured
deaction againstthe neighbour who
of bringing an
I brought an action againstmyself,
sunshine,,
my
should
be
and the verdict was, that the shady house
fernery. The stages were
removed, and in their place a rockery was built upon a
the smallness
very simpleplan, and which, considering
of the house, proves
as
effective,
affording
delightfully
converted
forthwith
all
at
seasons
a
arrangements
into
a
and
beautiful scene,
for the
growth
of
skilful
all the
my
the
bricklayerto do
direction,he faced
plants. I employed a
solid work, and, under
back
and
(1 and 2) with a rugged mass
renderingit somewhat
brick-field,
from
The
the
work
was
commenced
end
walls of the
of burrs
house
cave.
serviceable
very
from
the
like the interior of
at
a
little distance
some
wall,and graduallybrought nearer
and
nearer
proceeded upwards, occasional large blocks being
to the wall, and
strengthened with
firmly cemented
the walls and
the burrs good
holdfasts; and between
as
it
loam
was
rammed
in from
bottom
to
top.
Next
the
(4)and the end (3)a low border was formed
with a facing of burrs,this border consistingof good
No
loam.
resorted to,
specialdevice for drainagewas
been wanted ; a layerof broken bricks,
and it has never
and the
^out six inches deep, was
put upon the tiles,
iront
wall
The
soil thrown
this
upon
House,
Fern
rough
bed.
37
There
is
trapped
a
of the house^ and
leadingto a drain in one corner
finds its way there quickly,as the
all superfluous
water
slopesgently to it. The finish of the work
pavement
I did myself,and it occupied me, at odd times, about
four months^ the work beingessentially
amusing,though
sink
attended
with
The
I had
task
occasional
an
for the purpose
make
to
was
being
the
'^^
knuckles.
of the
abrasion
pockets'"*openings
"
in the work.
left at intervals
I
pockets^^and plantedthe ferns at the same
of the largerones
time.
Some
are
plantedin projecting
receptacles,
just as the bricklayerleft them; but generally
speaking,I found it the best plan to stuff the
soil into a chink or gap, then placethe fern
necessary
of suitable
in it,and, lastly,
to introduce
a pieceof burr
done
with the help of
size to close it in, and this was
made
the
I do not
cement.
space
''
with
think
remarks
I
the formative
on
further
profitably
occupy
can
the
part of
affair;
being described
minutely ; all I can say in concludingthis part of the
did a better job in my life ;
historyis this,that I never
for not only have the ferns and
mosses
planted in it
thriven amazingly,but the scene
produced is exquisitely
beautiful and affords more
than a suggestionof the
details
of this kind
"
do
Negligence
It is of the utmost
that
the
house
is
not
of nature,
of
course
the wall
wild
of
and
not
heated.
wide/*
inform
importance to
proof againstfrost,which
the back wall (1) forms one
which iskeptat a comfortable
and
admit
It
I attribute
is
to
the reader
remarkably"
the
fact that
drawing-room,
temperature all the winter,
side of the
itself is in winter
alwavs
warmer
The
38
than
the
does
get
Fern
atmosphere
when
and
Hays^s
been
the
changed
five to ten
stove
work
to
the
certain
is
has
case
constant
set
outside
in, however,
several times indicated
Garden.
or
the
;
thermometer
degreesof
frost
in
Hinks's
petroleum
any
frost
That
become
keep
to
house.
inside,
serious,
way
stove
all safe until the
has
weather
for the better.
genuine luxury,which every lover
of ferns should
its many
have if possible. Amongst
be named
must
a few
as particularly
worthy
advantages_,
fern house
A
of attention.
is
It
a
without
affords^even
heat, opportunityfor growing
ferns
hardy
which
if
need
they have
much
hurt
Ferns
of this class
are
a
ficial
the aid of artinumber
of
nearly
protection,
yet are not
to endure
a few degreesof frost.
and
tiful.
numerous
extremely beausome
as
a
only now
key to the rest
in illustration of this particular
advantage Woodwardia
radicans, Cyrtomium falcatura,Adiantum
pedatum,
Todea pellucida. Another
advantage is that if planted
more
only with the hardiest British ferns,they grow
do in the open
air.
sorts
beautifullythan the same
As a winter garden and as a peculiarly
charming scene
and well kept the fern house is worth
if well done
for
bird,and as an amusement
something to a home
I will
name
four
"
"
"
an
invalid it is invaluable.
The
management
is
a
modification
of that
advised
be more
fernery,but watering must
regularlyperformed, and if fast growing ferns run
be kept in check
the others they must
riot and overrun
for the
outdoor
Lastrea
theby occasionally
digging out their roots.
sensibilis are likelyto do this,but
and Onoclea
lypteris
Fern
The
they
such
are
the
During
thin
the
shrivel up
to
glisteninggreen
if there
A
is
in
hot
a
do
the
1st of
ever,
for
odds
ought
make
a
season^
one
to
be
removed
are
rising;
in the
dailyto
as
without
height of
cause
is
It must
endure
frost if
be
of
garden
September.
be left alone
for
Choose
a
good body
or
that,
see
requisiteto keep
of earth
the fern-
it should
be.
Dead
fronds
injury to
the
young
fronds
the floor must
summer
ferns
of the
planted out
in
mind
than
must
that
others^
be wetted
atmosphere.
prospered
have
borne
than
water
more
during the past twelve years, all of
times exposed to a few (say half
frost.
of
house, and then
your
will be
humidity
following
19th
the
fo^ anybody.
ferns will need
some
abundance
into.
attention
beautiful
fern house
A
from
might
required
struggle against overwhelming
built up, there
rockery is
be
The
s
the
to
date it
enough
for the ferns to root
and
May
will be
need
help
extra
shady place for
as
with
shine
powerful sun-
do.
would
exposure
the last-mentioned
house
allow
to
shaded
of whitewash.
smear
north, as it should
southern
Constant
a
of ventilation
After
the
be
must
growth and change the
dingy brown, as it will do very soon
air, heavy shading and
as
you
tender
amount
faces
engine from
fernerythat
shading used.
no
if the house
roof
never
the
to
small
very
cool
a
tiffany/^or
"
or
all eventSj it will
At
39
them.
summer
scrim"
"
of
lovelyinmates
do without
cannot
House,
them
a
in
the
house
having been
dozen) degrees
that
they
in pots.
can
at
of
better
Fern
The
40
List
Fernery
out
planting
for
in
a
Greenhouse
:
Large
W.
Ferns
or
Garden.
Growing
Ferns.
these
Plant
orientalis.
"
radicans
and
five feet above
the
Woodwardia
about
tage.
ground^ that their droopingfronds may be seen to advana
rigidgrower, often and
Cyrtomium falcatunij
the laurel fern.'^
Onoclea sensiappropriatelycalled
bilis,suitable for a cool damp nook on the ground line,
as it is an
uprightgrower ; under glassit is a magnificent
fern.
Lomaria
chilense,a rigid habited fern with bold
dark green
fronds.
Pteris flahellata,
grand pectinate
fronds,of a vivid lightgreen colour, suitable for a shelf
bank three or four feet above the ground. Pteris
or
cretica albo-lineata,an
upright grower, spreadsfreely
Phlebodium
at bottom.
sporodocarpum requiresa welldrained
elevated ledge,from whence
it will put forth
'*'
and
glaucous fronds,
Polystichum acrostichoides,a bold habit, and a good
Lomaria
chilense.
companion to Lomaria
magellanica,
Lastrea intermedia,L. frondosa,L. Sieboldii,
Asplenium
Adiantum
anguslifolium,
pe datum, Athyrium asplenioides,
A. filix-foemina
A. tenuifrons,
v.
corymbiferum.
Growers.
Davallia
Medium
canariense,Asplenium
Michauxii, Adiantum
cuneatum, A. assimile,A. affine,
A. formosum, Asplenium bulbiferum,
A. anguslifolium,
A. athyrium filix
A.f.f. v. corymfoemina v. Frizellice,
A. f. f. v. crispum, Scolopendrium vulgare v.
biferwti,
masses
of tawny
roots
handsome
"
crispum,
S.
v.
v.
alcicorne,S.
v.
v.
ramosum,
S.
v.
v,
series
(and a dozen others of the same
L. (Emula, L. Goldieana,
Lastrea thelypteris,
desirable),
L. filix-masv. cristata,
P. aureum.
Polypodium dryopteriSy
ramo-cristatum
Fern
The
P.
House.
41
to
phegopteriSfPlatycerium alcicorne (suitable
on
block
a
of wood
it is almost
;
For
finelyin a
still place; wind it
Positions
Elevated
is to
that
"
say, to
Todea
.
pellucida(thisgrows
shady^and
hardy)
house^ if in
pend
sus-
cool
endure)
cannot
in
the
grow
as
damp,
a
.
Fronts
eries
Rock-
of
ferns, and
wall
all
requiringplenty of air : Asplenium trichomanes, A,
adiantum
nigrum A. marinumj Ceterach qfflcinarum,
Allosorus
the door will
crispus (a sunny positionnear
suit this and
Asplenium trichomanes) Polypodium
and
vulgare and its varieties,especiallyCambricum
,
,
Hibernica.
The
hardy
most
antarctica, which
is
of
the
tree
as
easy
to
lastrea,providedit has enough
For
Baskets, take
Pteris
is Dicksonia
ferns
as
grow
a
common
water.
scaberula,Adiantum
setu-
losum, Asplenium flabellifolium,
Camptosorus rhizophyh
lusj Davallia
pyxidata, Niphobolus lingua,and
the free- growing
as
hardy ferns that
and
Onoclea
thelypteris
Lastrea
should
If you
doors
a
hole.
that put two
with
is
vase
a
water
take
mosses,
the hole
inches
of the finest sand.
daily,and
at the
it will
fountain
with
run
it
a
flat
or
tile,and
head.
If
out
of
of
large
bore
r
over
Fill the vessel
gently as long as
be used fbr the purpose,
by placing in
plant.
a
any
break
can
you
or
benefit
for the
water
which
such
freely,
house
Cover
drop left
should
of
of
sensibilis.
in your
create
tricklingof
-loving ferns or
vessel,in the bottom
small
to
constant
fountain
some
wish
about
run
any
an
there
ornamental
it might be utilized
pot containing some
semi-aquatic
Garden,
Fern
The
42
VIII.
CHAPTER
THE
HOU
of
SANDS
are
desecrated
a
boon
for
violet
grows/'
"
to
cases''
surgeon,
died at
home
his
of the
many
a
only
added
and
introduction
for if shut
as
resident
the
has
been
of valuable
up
close
to
been
sud-
the
nodding
'^
it is but
call to mind
that
commonly called
Wardian
cases/' being
B. N. Ward, an eminent
in Finsbury Circus,who
"
to
his memory
of the
English domestic
of incalculable
exotic
in Wardian
that
now
Peace
of
when
odour
step further
embellishments
the recreations
invention
man
structures
in 1868.
to
good
late Mr.
years
ripeage
a
known
were
a
an
had
we
dell where
go
we
of
the
years
the invention
not
Before
it,and
in
gives forth
bosky
some
the memory
fern
have
growers
bit of the woodside
a
the belief that
into
us
wafted
for many
it
moment
a
denly
justto
It is
the life of the wood
with
delude
might
fern
sitting-roomfor a fern
heart of a great city where
the graveyards are
and
even
unknown,
the fern case
is
of filthy
by accumulations
down
unsealed
amateur
value.
priceless
of
sealed
FIRESIDE.
in the
only a glasscase
garden. In the
gardens
THE
AT
FERNERY
service
!
He
English
life,but
in
the
plantsto this country,
cases
they travel over
The
44
variety^yet
there
utilityand beauty of appearance
tangular
good as those of the simplestrec-
for real
so
none
are
outlines,such
of the
leadingdealers
the
Garden.
Fern
cases
be heated
as
may
in such
known
as
obtained of any
readily
sidered,
things. All things conMiss
Maling^s/^ which
be
"
if
of gas flame or hot
requiredby means
the best,because of their
renewed
water
are
periodically,
extreme
simplicityand the uninterruptedview they
We
allow of the interior.
are
supposed to be great in
may
fern
cases
"
I say
we
in the way
of the organ
blower
in
The
vie story; but
Fernery
Sine qua
at the
Non
Fireside.
is the master
4^
of them
here;
Lnd
of several kinds, some
rather
they comprise cases
giganticin dimensions,besides vases fitted with lanterns
in which
of plateglass,
not onlyclimbingferns and ferns
of many
other kinds, but climbing ivies,lycopodiums,
and such odd things as the artillery
plant are grown.
I have had
well as furnish
to make
as
plant cases.
We
have between
us
managed to exhibit a considerable
number, and step by step we have acqmred some
very
definite ideas about
to
them, which I shall endeavour
set forth
categorically.
In the
and
which,
into which
of fern shades
case
long
as
the
as
which
there
fit into
is water
glassdishes,
lodged in the rim
tight,
edge of the shade rests, are airbe giventhree times a week
air must
by removing
This allows
the shade
altogetherfor an hour or so.
of moisture to dry off'the foliage,
and prevents
the excess
mould ; and the glassgettingdry in the meanwhile, it
from
is prepared to take up a fresh supply of moisture
which is equivalentto a circulation
the soil when
replaced,
well as a change of air.
This airof water
as
for if
giving,however, must be regulated by discretion,
the air of the
the
plantsto
easy
very
result
more
lower
is hot
room
it may
matter
to
do
and
dry
harm.
them
the
remove
sudden
exposure
of
Moreover, it is
a
glassandforffet
it,the
being, perhaps,complete destruction of all the
of the afiPair
tender fronds, and the disfigurement
simple and expeditious
consists in taking off
of ventilating
tnd effectual mode
Ihe glass,
wiping it dry and bright,and replacingit at
it.
There is then no fear of forgetting
once.
for
a
fortnight. Now,
a
very
Garden.
Fern
The
46
scriptio
important in choosing fern shades of this defits looselyin the
that the glassdome
to see
which
accompanies it. One of our shades,which
into a sunnyone
day removed
a
tight fit,was
It is
pan
was
window
for
a
few hours
operations. The
the expanded air
make
to
heated
sun
had
domestic
some
air within
the
to
means
no
for
room
escape,
shade,
the
it burst
and
explosioninto a multitude of
thus lost in
fragments. A guinea^sworth of glasswas
and a collection of Selaginellas
placed in
a
moment,
jeopardythrough neglectof this precaution.
often turns
in these matters
on
Success
points of
that appears
trifling;let me, therefore,
management
with
shade
the
the
describe
for
July
a
kinds
an
abundance
of
water
render
a
luxurious
and
enough
Fresh
a
beautiful; and
large pan
half
coating
of
half-decayedmoss
exposed to
rim
size of
is apt to go
walnuts;
sour
it has
the action of moisture.
with
a
mixture
before
up
of
or
unnecessary
on
or
breed
been
for
Fill up
winter
but the soil
say, six inches
inches of broken
the
if
preferable
throw
"
of
it is
to
green
ever-
liberal
wateringalmost
cinders
moss
established
will be gone,
a
green
plantedin
they are
time
the
and
two
therefore
of the
with
to render
In
if
If intended
supply
regular ventilation,will
of moisture
excess
down
thin
plenty of
of fine fronds, which
spring.
or
and
be
be
may
season,
have
below,
will hold
lav
they will
ferns
the
from
the
until
that
fern shade.
it should
ornament,
decline of the
the
comes,
winter
planting a
of
process
August,
or
before
loud
a
depth
"
pots
flowerthis
lay
sphagnum.
fungi,and
some
time
to the level
turfypeat, small
broken
at the Fireside.
The
Fernery
charcoal,and
the
of
siftings
the size of
hazel-nut
a
silver-sand.
I
compost, but
the
doubt,
and
follows
:
in
be
should
put aside
be
a
will
the
dress
to
and
boilingwater,
supplied enough to
rise to
the
surface
take
soil till you
the
water
and
never
little of
planting is completed. Xow,
of
can
sifted^but
as
compost
hand,
Ferns
state.
is
compost
the
when
lumpy
taken
This
the
with
from
saved
part, broken
one
part.
mixed
and
free
of it should
finest
siftingsone
up
a
if the
prosper
with
broken
be
should
be
proportionsbe
let the
parts,silver-sand
crock-
with
pea,
like to
beginner may
three
and
charcoal
plenty of
ingredientsof any
a
the
measure
therefore
Peat
"
never
pots, varying from
broken
that of
to
47
a
have
top of the drainage.
the
first to
poured into the centre
the soil gradually; poured against the glass
warm
suddenly it may shatter it. I have used the boiling
for many
water
now
years on every occasion of planting
The
should
water
have
and
a
fern case,
a
little caution
be
not
there is
vet
had
risk.
no
accident.
one
The
use
With
of the boiling:
destroyevery insect that may have escaped
breaking up the peat. It will not only
your eye when
do that,but kill their eggs also,and equallymake
an
is to
water
of the seeds of weeds
end
all of which
to
be hunted
The
alarm.
the materials
must
not
When
enemies
are
for when
over
and
better got rid of at
planted,and
pan
the
may
of
the
filling
be put in the pan
the
become
their ravages
cautious
before
of fungri:
mvcelium
the
until
course
first than
a
source
scald
in that
or
of
bake
they
nearlydry again.
pan
;
case
be
nearly cold the ferns may
of planting will consolidate
process
is
Fern
The
48
the compost,
that
so
it
Garden,
will,when
of the
all is
finished,be
an
it
ought to be; it
indeed
that, and need fillingup with
go below
may
should
be
the finest of the mi"^ture,which
i"M
some
toi ^/ft.
sprinkledover as a finishing
in ob 'aining
of difficulty
In any case
pes^tof a friable
for fern cases, a mixture
And
of equal
fibrous textmie
inch
the
below
parts of
edge
fibre refuse
cocoa-nut
as
pan,
and
charcoal
dust
will
admirably.
answer
fiftygroups of ferns
and
suitable for bell-glasses,
but tastes differ,
possibleway to please yourself is first to
could
I
of ferns of suitable kinds
sufficient number
them
as
you
think
journalof fern work
you the plantingof
inches
across
well how
to say
ofi'hand
enumerate
which
to manage
that,though
I
best.
is at hand
the best
obtain
and
"
arrange
will, however,
as
my
while
writingthis,give
a bell-glass
measuring twenty-two
I once
plantedfor a friend who knew
these things,and who was
pleased
very
fastidious
well satisfied with
on
matters
of taste,
of
doing things.
In the centre
Qheilanthes farinosa,the most
modating
accomAt regulardistances
of all the silver ferns.
it Adiantopslsradiata, Cheilaiithes tomentosa,
round
Pteris argi^ ^tea^
Aspleniumvivipara,
AspleniumfragranSj
-little silverygem,
Elaphoglossum brevipes,Doodia
a
the surface,so as to quite cover
All over
lunulata.
it,
she
was
apoda.
Selaginella
The
following are
six
my
way
beautiful
ferns
hands of beginnersj in
",aass shades in the
with water, and have but
not drowned
are
amount
of
light,they
are
sure
\/s
thrive
adapted for
fact,if they
a
even
moderate
if
n^"-
The
Fernery
49'
the Fireside.
at
together. Asplenium marimim, the
sea
spleenwort; Doodia caudata, Scolopendrrum vulgare
ramo-marginatum, a tasselled varietyof hartstongue;
spleenwort; Adiantum
Asplenium viride, the green
lected
weeks
for
lanceolata.
setulosum, Lomaria
Let
as
us
to how
the
consider
now
Fern
proper,
case
and
first
be made.
it should
but as tastes difi^erwe
prime requisite,
that point. The
shall say but little on
lighterthe
do
consistent
with
structure
safety the better. We
with
at times, and the ferns
meet
very ugly fern cases
within them
are
usuallyin a bad state of health. The
ornaments
and
cumbrous
fact is, heavy framework
therefore ugly fern cases
the light,and
obstruct
are,
Elegance is
as
rule,to
a
a
condemned
be
for that
if for
reason,
no
other.
simplerectangularfigureas indicated in the simple
is undoubtedly the best for ail general
sketch annexed
A
the basis
made
rise
a
miniature
Rustic
have
we
the
an
mosque
by figuresin
shown
''
of
"
Adornments.^^
ever
Floral
Ransome^s
had
was
World
form
box-like
this
moreover,
purposes;
be
may
design: out of it may
I have
or
a CrystalPalace, as
in
Fern
the chapter on
cases
A figureof the best fern case
of
publishedin the 1st volume
elaborate
;" it
is
a
handsome
imperishablestone,
made
case
by
surmounted
a
of
taU
lantern.
At
every
be borne
case,
in
step in designingand
mind
that
and, therefore, it
air,and
egress
ferns
must
are
constructingit
to
be
afi'ord access
grown
to
for water.
4
must
in the
lightand
50
The
to the
Accessibility
If the
whole
case
is small
of the
Fer?i Garden.
ferns is of the utmost
it should
glassframework
for that there should
reaching across
from
be
one
be
possibleto
at
any
doors
on
side to
time.
two
importance.
lift off the
If too
large
sides,because
plant a
fern
on
in
the
The
52
Garden.
Fern
and iron castors
large brass castors, all wooden
the ground to the top edge of
From
being rubbish.
the measurement
is seventeen
the skirting-board
inches.
The case
does not stand on this frame, but in it,that is
the half-inch ledge,B, which extends
to say, it rests on
with
all round
inside,and which
is added
the
at
to
corners
by the blocks, C, which are placedthere to increase the
The advantage of this mode
of
strength of the frame.
mounting is not in appearance only,though that is of
ment
some
importance in an article intended for the adornof a chamber.
One
important advantage is the
with
ease
which
case
circumstances.
the
is
a
The
case
about
be moved
can
nuisance
except
engraver
has
in
an
;
moveable
im-
peculiar
some
forgottento
add
the
castors.
That
v/ater
there
is
should
desirable,but
experienced cultivator
be
of
means
not
will
for
escape
surplus
absolutelynecessary.
never
allow
a
fern
The
case
The
become
to
Fernery
saturated
so
the health of the ferns
fall into this error^
to
is
be
have
I
that
occurs
to
be attributed
to
logged
water-
ten,
Make
fern
it
if
case,
be the
to
find time
to
avoid
thought
those
it may
to
certain,
as-
of water.
It is
in
to
is any
there
cautious
more
of moisture.
excess
a
point
a
of the escape
must
day
some
sure
first disaster
boilers beneath, but I think
hope
is almost
to
the
allow
soil with
be hurtful
beginner
base to
you
53
to
as
impossibleto provide drainage
which
and
the
none
charging the
to
and
purchasing a
of
perforation
If there
but the
of the roots.
condition
when
witli water
;
in every
is,nine times
the Fireside.
at
cases
be done,
carry
out
my
views.
the
For
benefit
readers,here
is my
and
mechanical
of
idea of
a
fern
experimental
combining means
case
effectual
heatingwith
drainage.
I would
of having all the metal
go to the expense
work
in copper well tinned ; it would
but
be expensive,
last for ever.
would
A, should be a trough for soil,
resting on a ledge all round the inside of the outer
wooden
casing,and admittingof being lifted out at any
For the lifting
time.
there should
be a ring attached
of
of the four sides.
each
on
insert
simple process
The
bottom
the
to
space,
For
which
render
would
of the
sloping ends
trough, and
of
the
its action
of heat
the communication
B, allowinga depth of
the bottom
the
of
pipe, F,
efiectual.
a
drainage,and this very
makes
end of the principaldifficulty.
an
the trough might slope down
every way
of
for escape
pipe,F,
a
of this I would
In the centre
two
inches
additional
trough.
I would
at
more
have
least under
spaces
under
By increasingthe
The
54
quantity of
bottom^
water
so
to
fillthis reservoir
as
it is at present ; my
side of the
whole
that
so
much
could
we
ease
shown
as
removable
a
leave it to the
work
this
out
need
be
not
from
for
to the
imagination
of the
of crocks
;
F, tap to draw
off
air
;
he
drainagewater
as
have
I
I must
reader
to
will have
B, reservoir
pipe; E, tap
touch,
a
fillit with
inventive
for hot
water
draw
to
from
into the
reservoir
side of the
with
some
case
no
;
C,
off water
soil ;
instead
of
so
G,
stratum
to pour
as
speed from
dribblingit in as now
suggests that fern-growersought to live
for the sake of keeping their cases
warm.
can,
at
a
for drainage.
in opening the
difficulty
water
and
that
point,confident
affair
is to have
removable
reservoir
Now,
an
might fill a washing-tub.
portiononly of the end C.
reservoir; D,
filling
reservoir
ridiculous
the
as
be obtained.
so
frame
A, trough containing soil for ferns
opening
Tvell
as
idea of the matter
wooden
get
one
fill the ends
to
as
of heat would
maximum
a
Garden
Fern
in
a
for
ever
The
a
large
that
way
if
only
pipe,F,
The
Fernery
would
have
rubber
ring surrounding
crocks
at
prevents
and
the
the
be
to
water
floodingthe
-with
fixture_,
a
base
at the Fireside.
it "where
of the
from
indiaclose-fitting
it enters
trough^ A;
B
feen
amongst
this,of
rising up amongst
ferns.
eoshee's
a
55
pillar.
the
course,
the soil
The
56
Garden.
Fern
IX.
CHAPTER
OF
MANAGEMENT
HE
must
for
CASES,
to
first to last you
From
attention.
here
is hoisted
Signal
Danger
attract
FERN
guard againstdrowning your pets,
is the
that
calamity that befals
thousands
in
of ferns
It is the
cases.
onlyimportantpointto be constantly
kept in mind, it is the only big rock you
in your pleasant
will have to encounter
one
in
discoveryround the room
So long as the soil is moderately
search of fern island.
damp water need not be givento the roots ; but at almost
of a
the fronds by means
over
any time a slightshower
syringewill be beneficial. In winter the syringemust be
used, and if there are any gold or silver ferns
cautiously
to prevent a single
be taken
should
in the case, care
voynge
drop
of
of
fallingupon
water
them,
they are covered ought
and
be given regularly
must
which
never
Air
with
breeze
out
as
will do much
much
sweeping is
"windows, a
Beautiful
mischief, and
as
as
the
farina with
to be washed
judgment
dust
;
a
is to be
off.
brisk
kept
while
da not open
possible,
your case
going on, or when, through open doors and
hurricane is enjoyinghis gambols.
young
be produced by a judicioususe
effects may
as
rockeries^ and
of mimic
elevated
and
best
arches, he, is
coke.
be
weight, and it may
soaking it with water
Portland
mounds
made
and
the
dot about
to
affording
as
ferns of delicate
constructingrockeries,
It
adds
little
but
like
look
to
sprinkhng
For
cement.
and
for
material
common
useful
are
sites for small
well-drained
The
growth.
they
57
Cases.
of Fern
Management
it with
formation
the
by
stone
Roman
of
or
irregular
the ferns to
amono;st
to
the
vary
rough and rather soft pieces
of brick burrs should be preferred,
not
only on account
of their suitable colours, but because
they soon
get
and add much
coated with natural
to
growths of moss
the beauty of the little garden. But
the grand thing
is to have a sufficiency
of healthy ferns of handsome
soft sandstone
surface_,
varieties,evervthinor
that
desideratum.
well, and
you
niceties of
Vermin
all
or
else must
Have
will not
be
be
made
subsidiary
good ferns and
greatlyexercised
grow
in fern
in
of many
kinds
noticed, sometimes
slugs, or
them
about
the
gimcrackery.
occur
cases
eaten
the
the
away.
of
crown
The
larvse of
a
valuable
marauders
small
beetles.
may
spiteof
fronds
precautions; mysterious nibblings of
be found
to
are
plant will
be woodlice,
Trap them,
if
possible,
by insertingfresh lettuce leaves in the chinks
suspect they frequent. Or place slices of fresh
you
the baits daily,
Examine
apple under tufts of moss.
and keep them
If you
can
always fresh.
put a few
glowworms in a case infested with vermin, there will be
a rapid clearance
made; toads are good vermin
killers,
add
but they do not
the beauties of the scene, and
to
they are
apt
to
squat
on
the
tender
risingfronds
of
The
58
delicate
some
Garden.
Fern
fern, and
do
harm
more
in
aphis,is rarelyseen
it occurs
it is usually a sign
neglectin giving air. The best
Green
fly,or
when
been
Or
ADIANTTJM
than
good.
fern
cases,
and
that
there
has
way
to
remove
^^^
SETULOSFM.
of a soft brush
camePs-hair
or
aphis is by means
air.
and to prevent its recurrence
give more
pencil,
of
For suspending ferns in cases, the outside husk
the
the
cocoa-nut
shell.
For
may
be
used, and
general purposes
the
inner
also the
hard
latter is
preferable.
60
The
and
quarter
pushed
smother
is in
a
third
or
the
outside
inch
an
with
water
lower
them
of
suspending.
all
over
every
one
of them,
foliage. The
these, the best
bark, bound
way
a
The
holes
a
it has
so
to
as
Camptosorus
with
stick
the
is
brass
is to lift them
deep vessel,with a
suspending cord and laid across
into
with
in diameter, and
of thin
formed
To
through the
of
ferns here represented
two
cocoa-nut^ bored
through
crowns
little case
a
wire.
and
Garden,
pliableas packtlircad.The
arc
examples of my mode
Adiantum
in
Fern
out
passed
top of
and
in
out
a
few minutes
a
61
they can sink the full length of the
be lifted
be thoroughly saturated.
They can
quarter of an hour, and allowed to drip for a
the vessel,so
cord
Cases.
of Fern
Management
suitable
that
stick at each
by again lodging the
place.
Thirty
Ferns
fine
Cases
for
end
in
Artificial
with
beginners marked thus ^.
adianti9 inches ; Aneimia
Anemidictyon phyllitidis,^
9 in. ; Asplenium bindum, 18 in.; A. fragrans,
folia,"^
9
best for
The
Heat.
heterodon,
A.
in.;
Mexicanum,*
in. ; A.
6
lanceolura,^4 in. ;
num
lucidum,
loneurum
in.;
12
radicans,
A.
polymorphum,^
B.
;
A.
in. ; Blech-
4
6 in. ;
intermedium,
in.
12
in.;
9
Cheilanthes
Campy-
micromera,
Diplazium radicans, 9 in. ; Elaphoglossum
3 in. ; Acrostichum
brevipes,6 in. ; Fadyenia prolifera,
4 in.; Polypodium loriceum, 12 in. ; Hequercifolium,^
4 in. ; Hymenolepis spuata^^9 in. ;
mionitis cordifolia,^
Hypolepistenuifolia deformis, 12 in. ; Litob) ochia leptophylla,18 in.; L. pedata, 6 in.; Loniaria attenuata,
12
12
N.
in. ;
in.
;
Patersoni, 9 in.
L.
tenera, 6 in.; Olfersia
12 in.;
percussa,"^
Heat.
The
cervina,"^18 iu.; Pleopeltis
membranacea,"^
Ferns
fine
best
Cases
for
beginners marked
for
4; A. crenulatum, 18
6 in. ; Adiantum
sum,^
12
in.
18
;
D.
in.
;
A.
18
;
A.
in.
;
A.
12
caudata,^
6
in.
;
in.
in.;
A.
cristatum,
fulvum,
;
12
D.
Artificial
in.
^.
thus
dimidiatum,
tinctum,
cuneatum,*
in.; Pteris
12
without
12
Asplenium appendiculatum,"^
A.
6 in. ;
\estita,
in.
calomelanos,"^6
Thirty
P.
Nothochlseiia
;
;
A.
9 in.
attenuatum,*
;
A.
nitidum,
assimile,* 9 in.
9 in. ; A.
Doodia
lunulata,"^9
;
formo-
aspera,"^
in.
;
Las-
62
The
Fern
Garden.
8 in. ; Niphobolua
glabella,
lingua,9 in. ; N. pertusus, 6 in. ; Nephrolepispectinata,
18 in. ; N. exaltata,"^
30 in. ; Onvchium
Japonicum,"*^
15 in. ; Platyloma rotundifolia,18 in.; Pleopeltis
pustrea
tulata,9
in. ; Phlebodium
aureum,^
3G
in. ; P.
sporo-
triangularum,6 in. ;
9 in. ; Pteris
crenata, 12 in. ; P. geraniifolia,
6 in.
18 in. ; P. heterophyllaj
albo-lineata,"^
docarpum,"^ 30
Pteris
cretica
Twenty-four
The
8 in. ; L.
acuminata,^
in. ; Polvstichum
fixe
Ferns
Suspending
for
in
Cases.
best for
thus "^.
beginnersmarked
Adiantum
setulosum,"^6 inches ; Asplenium brachypteron,"^6 in. ; A. flabellifolium."^ 9 in. ; A. pinnatifidum, 6 in. ; A. reclinatum, 6 in. ; Camptosorus rhizo5
phyllus,"^
in. ; Cheilanthes
sieberi,10 in.
;
Davallia
pentaphylla,9 in. ; D. bullata, 6 in. ; D. dissecta,18
in. ; D. elegans,12 in.; D. solida,6 in.; D. pyxidata,
18 in. ; D. canariensis,12 in. ; D. decora, 6 in. ; Humata
heterophylla,6 in. ; Hypolepis amaurorachis,
18 in. ; Niphobolus lingna,9 in. ; Nothochlaena
nivea,
6 in. ; Oleandra
nodosa, 6 in. ; Pleopeltis
lycopodioides,
6 in. ; Polypodium rugulosum,"^
3 in. ; P. stigmatica,
9 in. ; Pteris
Forty
Fern
scaberula,"^12 in.
Case
small-growing
Pillar
or
Ferns,
suitable
for
a
Rockery.
veneris,Asplenium foncapillus
tanum,"^ Asplenium germanicum,^ Cystopterisregia*
ScoloPolypodium dryopteris(deciduous),
(deciduous),
pendrium vulgare bimarginata cordatum,"^ S. v. cristatum
minus, S. v. divergens,S. v. geminum, S. v. gloS. v.
lacerato-marginatum,S. v.
raerato-digitatum,
proiiferum, S. v. ramo-marginatum,"^ S. v. ramoBritish
"
Adiantum
Management of Fern
Cases.
63
S. v. ramosum^
S. v. Wardii,^ Woodsia
proliferum,
alpina(deciduous)"Woodsia ilvensis "^ (deciduous).
Exotic
Lorn aria alpina,"^
Camptosorusrhizophyllus^"^
Adiantum
setulosum,"^Aspleuium
Acrophorushispidus^
flabellifolium^,"^
Aspleuium attenuatumj"^ Aspienium
Aspienium nitidum^"^
Aspienium obtusabrachypterouj
tum^ Aspienium pumilum^ Aspienium pinnatiiidum,
Blechnum
intermedium^^ Campyloneurum csespitosum,
Diplazium plantagineum, Davallia decora, EldphoGonioGymnopteris quercifolia,
glossum brevipes,"^
Lomaria
Xotiiolanceolata,"^
pterisscolopendrioides,
Xothochlsena
chlsena vestita,
tenera^^Pleopeltis
stigmatica,Doodia caudata."^
"
^
"
PTEEIS
TEENIPOLITJM..
The
64
Garden,
Fern
X.
CHAPTER
THE
ART
OF
MULTIPLYING
FERNS.
increasingferns by
division and by spores.
Both
plans are easy
enough up to a certain pointybut we need not
serious difficulty
trouble ourselves about the point at which
for in truth no
beginner should be
commences^
troubled on that score.
I will suppose you have a large
Male
fern [Lastreafilix
mas) or of
plantof the common
the common
vulgare),and
Hartstongue [Scolopendy^ium
HERE
you
wish
are
to make
operate is when
but it may
We
the
ground by
board
that
or
modes
of
of it at
once.
the fronds
at any
plant out
of
means
table.
number
a
more
be done
take
two
a
"
The
justrisingin
are
time
if proper
of its pot,
fork
or
Probably at
a
trowel,and
each
and
at
once
pot
them
be
in very
small
be taken.
of the
on
a
will discover
with
from
a
tuft of
the outside
Separate
from
pots
to
spring,
lay it
glanceyou
of distinct crowns,
attached,may
care
the
lift it out
or
easilyremoved
by the use of a strong sharp knife.
offsets,carefully
disentangletheir roots
roots
best time
such
the mass,
in the sort
of
alreadyadvised for use in growing pot ferns in
Chapter VI.
Prepare the pots by putting in them
them
thin
a
plenty of small crocks for drainage,over
wisp of dry moss, or a bit of fibre torn from the peat.
mixture
?^
66
The
of any
roots
time
kind
So much
wonted
for the division
Let
crowns.
have
that
regain their
to
take
now
us
Garden,
Fern
disturbed
been
and
need
poison.
of ferns that form clustering
common
a tuft of
polypody.
action is like
of the
quantity of fleshyrhizomes
thickness
of a lead pencil entangled amongst
masses
of fibrous roots.
You
cut
or
pull to pieces this
may
tuft almost ad lib.,provided each separate positionhas
its own
be potted
reserved to it. The piecesmust
roots
Here
find
we
a
rather
to the others, as their roots
run
diff'erently
upon
the surface chiefly,
and they thrive best in a moist
material.
The
surest
plants of
spongy
way to make
them
will be to
third
one
sandy peat, and
make
to
some
that
on
treat
begin
after
a
few
least
fibre
little cocoa-nut
of the
fibre
over
with
pieces on
it almost
the
to
firmly. Water and placein
in the first practice. They will
and will want
no
particularcare
press it down
and
soon
spread a
lay one
cocoa-nut
more
bury it,and
frame
crocks, then
soft bed ; then
a
bed, put
of
depth
by puttingin at
nearly fill them
the pots
prepare
to
as
grow,
weeks.
Now, by these
two
methods
may
the
greater part
multiplied; there are exceptions,
in the case
of tree ferns,for example, but the excepas
tions
in clustering
few.
Those
that grow
crowns
are
that
in the first practice,those
be divided
as
may
be cut to pieces as
extend
by creeping rhizomes
may
of all known
ferns be
in the second
As
in
you
practice.
extend your operations,
you
of these
be
long
the
or
easy it is to kill ferns by one
For general guidance I will
processes.
discoveringhow
other
will not
The
tlien, be
sav,
what
divide
a
offers
YOU
plant
wait.
If
without
also if the
it alone, be
would
Take
to
it neither
large enough
danger,leave
cultivator
how
see
it because
crown
habits of different
The
know
you
cannot
you
spoiHug
a
67
becjin that
voii
do.
to
offsets^nor
without
severed
before
sure
ousfht
YOU
of MultiplyingFerns.
Art
be
to
and
content
be observed
speciesmust
expert in propagating.
a charming
sensibilis,
become
example Onoclea
floweringfern for a damp place in a rockery out
will obtain
I hope you
doors or under glass,which
if you
do not
the first opportunity,
alreadypossess
Now, this fern propagates itself;that is to say,
rliizoma
runs
distance
from
for
along
and
consist
of,
a
each
its
has
Gleichenia
years,
round
and
that has
you
knock
the
from
but
some
knife
this
other
the
on
in the
been
of the
a
case
old
and
pot
same
in
humid
have
its
pot
a
a
three
all
fully
Care-
side,pass
pieces and
soil and
can
or
crowns.
on
plant into
it
a
the
potted
a
two
shade
centre, but
the
pot, lay it
put the
60 to 70^ with shade
growth
of roots, and
hand
series of
worn-out
placewhere
tuft
other
through it, separate
the
it will
patience aided by
all with
pot will be
it out
them
in
and
will find it dead
the
next
tinct
dis-
of
centre
own
Take
moisture.
and
of
centres
the
couple of
a
rather
by, or
separate
mass
many
them
plantsof
for
it.
some
several
up
alone
at
at
vegetation. You may
piecesas you please,provided
large rich
as
make
of
number
a
plant
surrounded
it will be
divide this into
piece
the
Leave
seasons
forming
parent plant throws
the
crowns.
surface, and
the
near
of
as
warm
shake
before;
pit
or
temperature of
atmosphere,to
encou-
rage
a
every
case^
growth.
new
but
principleis
The
the
be
practicemust
the
of ferns
dififerent classes
as
constitution,so
Garden,
Fern
The
68
in
same
differ in
varied
to
suit
them.
of
multiplyingby division it must
that the operationseverelytaxes
In every case
borne
in mind
energiesof
the
time
some
afterwards
soil in which
contain
it may
be
plants it
warmth
plants,hence
sand
more
is best
and
than
in
quite fine
are
of extra
their
restore
to
offsets
small
the need
the
for
care
The
vigour.
tage
pottedmay with advanstrong plantsrequire,and
texture, whereas
lumpy.
damping of
for
strong
So, again, extra
somewhat
occasional
be
the
crowns,
and
a
humid
atmosphere with shade from sunshine, are aids
of great importance. Begin with cheap hardy kinds,
and take as much
painswith them as you would with the
tender and costly,
and you will enjoy the work,
most
be rewarded
with success, and
acquire experience for
in a most
higherflights
amusing pastime.
**
If at first you
don't
succeed,
Try, try,try again.*'
Now
for the spores
of
spores
in
heat
or
;
tropicalor
they will
greenhouse ferns
may
and
first by way
preface.The
hothouse
ferns must
be placed
not
germinate. The spores of
be raised in
the aid of artificial heat, but
them
into
of
time without
summer
it is
a
safer
plan
to
put
propagatinghouse and treat them the same
kinds until the little plantsresulting
from
as the tropical
their germination have
As
for
made
some
progress.
the spores
be raised in a
of hardy ferns, they may
frame kept close and shaded
a
Art
The
First
secure
fit them.
to
the purpose,
fillthe
pans
with
pans
and
the
should
made
of
silver sand.
a
be broken
in
mixture
Water
to the
size of peas.
the
pots into the
breaking
of the
smallest
depth
inch
an
largeshallow pans^ and bell-glasses
will answer
Of course
common
flower-pots
but largeshallow pans are better.
Nearly
the top
(or pots) with broken flower-pots_,
all the dust
Sweep
69
some
which
of
stratum
of MultiplyingFerns.
crocks, and
of
with
then
equal parts
fine
a
rose,
put in
fine peat
and
if the
the
watering washes the fine stuff down, and causes
pointsof the small broken pots to peep through,all the
better
that is as it should
take a ripe frond
be.
Now
of a fern on which there is plenty of fruit,and while
it,
holding over the prepared pan, sweep the hand over
the
or
tap it smartly,and you will see the fine dust
veritable fern seeds
fall freely. Regulate your movements
"
"
"
so
then
to
as
scatter
the dust
all
over
the surface,and
the
bell-glass.
The proper
place for pans so prepared is wherever
and
they can be kept warm
dark, and yet be within
be
sight,so that they are not neglected. They must
kept always moderately moist, but never
wet, and as
watering with a water-pot would simply wash the seed
put
on
follow the neater
away,
vessels
of
water.
If
practiceof placingthe pans in
in one
inch
they are immersed
will become
moist
depth for an hour, the whole mass
throughout by capillary
attraction,and not a grain of
sand
or
Have
seed
need
be moved
from
its
place.
patience,and you will see first a film of green
confervse,which is a good sign,next little leafygrowths,
resemblingthe liver worts or marchantias.
By-and-bye
from
curious
these
rise,and
will
you
Garden.
Fern
The
70
will
leafythings little fern fronds
know
thereby that you did not
sow
the seed in vain.
in
Be
will
more
hurry to disturb the
they will crowd
appear;
they will
likelywill
and
very
from
the frond
form
made
have
the
remove
of
earliest
whole
more
true
plan will
adoption.
process
seed
will
time
before
habituate
and
pans,
be found
of
until
characters
a
safe and
potting consists
to
the
them
to
they
had
then
a
off,and
general
liftingeach
in
their
remain
for
one
ment
enjoy-
in
pot them
good
last
them
disturb
you
they
at
come
usuallyallow seedlingsto
I
form
taken, for they do
light than
air and
in the
different in
was
The
but
room,
infancy.
this
The
their
and
bell-glass,
more
year
seed
advance.
some
give them
to
the
which
jostleone another,
microscopic forest, and
and
be very
to
appear
usually acquire
not
of
sort
a
and
little plants. More
no
little
plant with its tuft of roots unhurt into a very small
of fine peat and sand,
pot nearly filled with a mixture
and then coveringits roots with the same
material,and
tucking it in comfortably. Shut them up in a frame
close togetherunder large
in a greenhouse,or put them
other keep them
paratively
comor
means
bell-glasses;
by some
and shaded ; givegentlesprinklings
or
warm
rather
to
dewings
roots, and
the
bonny
In
their
over
they
leaves,and
will
soon
but
grow
little water
and
become
little plants.
a
rather
and
dark
greenhousesI have
used expresslyas
a
a
damp
glassframe
nursery
for
of
comer
on
a
of my
one
stand
which
seedling ferns.
is
You
of Multiplying Ferns.
Art
The
71
yourselfby taking a shallow box,
with sheets of stout
a bed
glass. Make
inside the box of a few inches depth of cocoa-nut
fibre,
this bed
silver sand, or clean small pebbles^and
on
or
You
have
place the little pots and put the glass over.
for
might make one
and covering it
complete command
of shade
by excess
sunshine
to
and
shade
and
to admit
advance
into
largerpots.
We
and
A
ferns
fern
even
the
to
wise
will
He
account.
thankfulness
God
for
He
mystery of life is afforded
direct
the manifestations
in
seen
anywhere.
delightsin
cases,
It will be
fern growing
the
on
pavements
man
be
will
banks,
of
your
of doors.
freedom
despise
not
quickened
in love
making beauty so cheap
will
enlightened cannot
of the
is
rockeryout
spontaneouslywith such
weeds, but
that
multiply
out
sprout up into life with-
surprisesand
your
and
in crevices of the
the face of the earth.
to
tops
they are
parallelcase
almost
stones, and
increase
to become
least
and
seedlingsin
fern-houses, and
on
one,
earliest
your
walls, and
and
moveable
about
run
their spores, and
shed
to find
and
instance,
seedlingswhen
of their rhizomas.
amongst
them
first
with
cases
for
nurseries
aid fi'om any
as
fern
Small
that
ferns that
Some
in the
them
keep
sitting-rooms.
have spoken of ferns
means
and
grow
in
grown
by
to
or
lightand air,to strengthenthem as
become
strong enough to be shifted
more
admirable
them
plan to kill them
by exposing them
by givingmoisture
this
by
moisture,
make
enough
they
make
and
to
or
;
them
over
rejoicethat
fail to
see
the
on
humblest
that
in the
deep and blessed impressions
relationshipof the Divine nature
us
of the Divine
will in visible
thinsrs.
To
a
growth
the
of
nothing
trivial
fern seed is the
a
of
end
mysterious life,the
or
is
there
mind
the observant
in nature, and
of
Garden.
lilt Ftrit
72
which
no
man
understand.
Behold
I
At
!
but
can
last
And
ADIANTUil
we
"
know
not
trust
that
far off
every
"
at
winter
EXCIStm
anything ;
good
shall
fall
last, to all.
change
to
MTJLTIFIDFM.
spring.
paltry
beginning
or
can
dicate
pre-
British Ferns.
CHAPTER
XL
BRITISH
HE
How
FERNS.
of
number
of these present
that
is to
types (or what
say^
us
we
full
whole
of them.
forms
cannot
even
from
differing
we
the business
It is not
3000.
46 ;
dance,
varieties in great abun-
with
regard as types),and
500, and no
livingperson
number
about
speciesnumber
British
with
is
ferns
unknown
The
rudely guess.
many
known
are
many
73
their
these varieties
the
possesses
of this book
to
to speak of the British ferns
nor
botanically,
exclusively,
yet it would hardly be complete restricted
its object is
unless
it contained
at least
one
as
as
especially
chapter on the Eilices of Britain, more
only cultivate the British ferns,and find
many
persons
in making
in the fern way
them
enough to amuse
treat of ferns
"
"
collections of native
a
suppose
speciesand
complete collection
to
varieties.
be
desired,for
fact
never
our
purpose
whether
it be desirable
is,a completecollection
can
be.
My
excellent
has
never
no
or
been
friend Mr.
one
it is not,
It matters
scientific purposes.
except for strictly
for
Let
little
not, for the
formed
Sim, of Foots
in his last catalogue
Cray, Kent, enumerates
British speciesand varieties in all enough for us
"
and
365
to
choose
the
from
has
reader
that amongst
for
horror
innate
no
interesting.It
be
figuresmay
materials
the
for
Garden.
Fern
The
74
the varieties
are
garden. If
few
a
statistics,
fern
a
of
be
must
many
understood
extremely curious
have
fringed,some
plants. Some are richlytasselled and
prise
duplicated fronds, and the variations otherwise comimitations (orresemblances
to) stageshorns, frills,
fans, wires, bristles,embroidery,braiding,puckering,
notched
and embossing. Some
of the varieties are
as
shrunk
if a child had
cut faces out of them, others are
have spores on the Avrong side,
stalks;some
up to mere
that is to say,
on
produce spores
ready made in
at
the
their
fronds
Some
varieties
side of the fronds, others
upper
or
all,and
form
on
are
produce their offspring
little plantsat the pointsof
part of their leafy surface.
a
of
every
few
curious, so
so
never
rare,
and
so
difficultto
multiplythat they range in pricefrom one to five guineas
tor,
fern collecneed not terrify
the humble
a plant. This
be bought for a
of the handsomest
for many
may
The
each.
merated
cataloguepricesof 319 kinds enushilling
16^.
in Sim^s
to ^130
catalogueamount
say
for one planteach of
if those not pricedbe added, "200
the 365. The varieties of hartstongue alone are about 100
each would
in number, and to buy one
cost in the aggregate
"
"50.
ends
Here
through
hastilyrun
nothing about synonyms
us
for
anything
Adiantum.
do.
to
arrangement
these
with
Now
the statistical statement.
the
or
list of British
For
our
ferns, saying
knotty points in
matters
we
purpose
cannot
an
let
now
cation,
classifihave
alphabetical
will be best.
"
A,
capillusveneris, the
true
maiden-
British
hair.
There
requisitesfor
The
them.
enumerate
75
feTr varieties^but
a
are
Ferns.
need
we
the
not
of
growth
this
In
lovelyfern are warmth, shade, and moisture.
the damp and rather dark parts of a plant stove it soon
itself by spores
becomes
on
bricks,
a
weed, and sows
stones, wood
anywhere. I have had it grow to perfection
"
between
plant in
a
a
the best way
is to
fitted
bell-glass,
to
room,
fifteen-inch
inside
bricks
the
The
flower-potware.
well.
a
have
To
to
appropriate
earthen
an
be
soil should
its
a
use
of red
pan
sandy peat, with
a
flower-potsor soft broken stone
leave
hour ; never
added.
Give
air daily for half an
it with
the glass ofi* and. forget it; do not
saturate
have patience.
moisture, and
fourth
part of broken
"
Allosorus.
Coddling
A.
"
crispus,
will kill it.
It
parsleyfern.
mountain
the
fresh
loves
air ;
will
grow
with a little sandy
stone
pebbles or broken
Shade
is good for it,but I
peat to give it a start.
it growing gloriously
in the full sun.
Beware
have seen
if there is one
snail in the garden; catch him and throw
the wall into the
him
next
over
garden, or he will
It is a
gobble up your plant as a cat would a mouse.
a
over
good plan to put a bell-glass
newly plantedpiece
the vermin
to protect it from
glasscan be taken
; the
the plant has grown
a bit.
away when
amongst
AsPLENiuM.
known.
ferns
and
A.
"
vapour.
risk,but
It
To
is
marinum
sand
loves
plant it
in
best
stone, and
and
the
of the
one
open
air
case
warmth
rockery is
it will do well in the cool fern-house
near
a
the
floor.
A.
trichomanes
and
A.
viride
are
charming
ferns to
Fern
The
76
plant xii
in the
be
in
cool
a
house
rockery.
open
words
such
"
half
the
broken
case,
"
crown
brick
or
the
poison to
for the
would
horticultural
I shall die."
or
chinks
speak it
ever
startled
fat peat is
gem
in sheltered
or
If it should
air
me
"
A. ruta-muraria.
a
once
as
community, Give
bricky and sandy ;
A. fontanum
a
plantwith
or
Garden.
Soil to be
it.
case.
Stagnant moisture is ruin to it;
quiteabove the surface ; soil one
stone, the other half very sandy
for planting in a chink in an old
lovelyfern
wall in a shady sheltered spot.
A. septentinonale,
a difficult fern to grow.
Try it in
a
pot in a frame, in soil three parts sand and soft
stone, and
guard it with fear and suspicionagainst
slugs,snails,and woodlice.
is the Lady fern, and
Athyrium.
A. filix-foBmina
A
peat.
"
well
the
deserves
title.
Please
descriptionor
anywhere
eulogy ; see it and believe. It will grow
under
glass,or in the open air,if in a shady moist
position. I have a grand plantgrowing in the gravel
than I can
walk
at the foot of the bastion,and more
in other
count
fat peat
not
or
places.
in
mellow
it.
Be
give plenty of
if you
the
sure
water.
fine pot fern,growing well in
loam, with sand, or in any soil
common
chalky,with
A
excuse
help of
to
a
drain
Oh, how
little cocoa-nut
the
fibre to
and
pot eff'ectually
it will smile
it
upon
you
kindly!
The
followingvarieties are fine Coronans, CorymElworthi, Fieldice,
FrizellicBf
biferum,diffuso-multifidum,
grandiceps,Grantice,multifidum.
B. spicans,the hard
Blechnum.
fern, is a noble
treat
"
"
British
and
distinct
very
when
specimen
"
A
rather
four
or
Try
your
five years
17
hand
at
a
old it will
largepot
be grand.
strong soil^with good drainage^suits it ; say
yellowloam
three
ATHYEiril
obtained
fern.
Ferns.
parts,leaf mould
FILIX-rEMINA,
vav.
two
parts, and grit
COETMBIFEEUM.
by siftingthe sweepings of the gravelwalks
ing
one
part. By the way_, this is a capitalplan of obtainclean sharp sand.
We
rarelybuy sand, as we sift
all our
sweepingsand spend the sand money in keeping
the gravelperfect.
The
78
The
Fern
followingvarieties
Garden.
are
good
"
imbricatumj lauci-
strictum.
ramosum,
folium, mult'ifurcutum,
the scaly spleenwort,is
C. ojfficinarum,
Ceterach.
"
^m
ATHTEIUM
riLIX-FCEiinfA
GEANDICEPS.
luxuriantlyin our
the
cool fern -house, in a chink of the rough wall near
door.
A good pot fern.
It loves air,stone, old mortar,
a
very
fern.
interesting
It grows
Fern
The
80
the remainder
to
for the next
attain
represents a
shed
their spores
Tunbridgense is the Tuna paradox. It
cynosure, a paragon,
all of "which
race,
all
in
manner
and
H.
"
bridgefilmyfern, a
are
maturity
season.
Hymexophyllum.
They
Garden.
if dealt
easilygrown
the
requiresimilar
first instance.
in
with
Suppose
nice
patch of any of
(flower-pot
ware)
treatment.
consider
we
them.
proper
a
Get
large
and a bell-glass
to
earthenware
pan
be
within the rim.
A fifteen-inch glasswould
fit fairly
half that size will do to begin with.
best, but one
broken
of the pan
a layerof
Spread over the bottom
pots, then lay down a bed of very sandy peat say peat
and silver sand
equal parts. On this bed placesome
and less,and press
of the size of the fist,
blocks of stone
how
to grow
a
a
"
them
down,
fill in
of peat and
mixture
make
and
between
sand.
it,in fact,hard.
Now
Make
draw
them
with
all this
out
a
the
same
quitefirm
small
"
stone,
like
plant,spreading out its black hairwith the mixture, and bed it in
cover
roots, which
close,so that it will sit,so to speak,close to the general
If you can
surface of the stone.
plant little piecesall
and
over
introduce
the
pan
the
between
the stones, you
may
get the pan
quickly,but it is a risk for a beginner to
the
do.
Wet
hand would
tear
up a plantas a practised
of a fine syringe; place the bell-glass
whole by means
it fit pretty close,
to make
so
as
on, and press it slightly
the window, or
and placethe pan in a warm
room
near
of the greenhouse,or in
in a snug, warm,
shady corner
fiUed
a
more
cool part of the stove, and
then
take off the
do not
look at it for
glassand giveanother
a
week
;
gentlesprinkle,
British
^
\
"
...
-K
f.
*""
/
""!"*,
Ferns.
^i^^
?^'.Vk
81
t.-.'^Ki
V
S^..il"^'-.-^-
.^
lASTEEA
^MFLA.
and next
leave it for
The
month.
plantbeginsto grow
the year, and continues growing till quitelate in
Keep it only moderatelymoist at all seasons.
earlyin
autumn.
Take
Garden.
Fern
The
82
the
care
is
a
shines
never
sun
upon
it,and
far
as
as
the
for curiosity,
or
possible making allowances
what
is its condition
necessityof occasionallyascertaining
to moisture
as
give no air at all.
Lastrea.
L. filix-mas,
the male fern, is the commonest
in Britain.
(and some
say the handsomest)species
It will grow
anywhere and in any soil,but attains its
fullest perfectionin mellow
loam or peat in a shady
situation.
The followingvarieties are fine
cristataya
magnificentobject when well grown ; crispa, a little
for the case ; grandicepSj
a fine pot fern : polydacgem
"
"
"
"
fine-crested
tylUya
L. (Bmula, the
for the
cool
variety.
hay-scented fern, a charming species
house
pot culture.
or
dried
When
it is
agreeablyfragrant.
L. dilatata,the broad
of doors.
out
plentifully
a
beautiful
a
when
L.
house
and
be
planted
has
varietydumetorum
and
oreopteris,the
Scottish
England
good
passed over
not
L.
on
in loam
out
or
common
in
scarce
The
fern,should
rich appearance.
L. montana
fern,
buckler
be
and
It
in
fronds
pots.
by
should
freelysupplied with
fern to grow
When
buckler
no
be
water.
the
means
planted
It is
hand
is
pleasantodour is emitted;
dried it has a sweet
hay-likescent.
free growing speciesfor the cool
a
thelypteris,
and for pot culture.
It loves shade, moisture,
spongy
the
and
moors,
Wales.
mountain
a
peat, and travels fast.
British
POLTPODim
Ferns.
rriGAEE.
83
Fern
The
84
Ophioglossum.
the
kinds
only two
These
O.
"
should
Garden,
vulgatum and O. lusitanicum are
Adder's-tongue fern in Britain.
of
be
kept
labelled,as
in
in
pots
frame
a
and
spicuously
con-
their fronds
disappearearly in
the season, and the plantsare likelyto be thrown
away
dead.
as
Scarcelyworth growing.
noble
OsMUNDA.
0. regaliSy
the royal fern,is a most
plant for the garden,but not well adapted for pots or
"
the fern-house.
loam.
in moist
Plant
peat
spongy
or
strong
varietycristata makes a handsome
pot plant.
PoLYPODiUM.
P. vulgare,the common
polypody,
be grown
anywhere and almost anyhow, but prefers
may
a
or
leafy soil,an elevated positionand
spongy
The
"
of shade.
amount
some
old
wall
in
make
instance,and
in the
full
the
a
well
this.
best varieties
omnilacerum, and
is the
^^
of
native
our
an
ferns
endure
camhricum, crenatum, cristatum,
are
first of these
The
semilacerum.
five
Irish polypolypody," the last is the
pody
charming plantsfor cool house, pot, or case
Welsh
;" five
the top of
planted small in the first
beautiful objecton old tree stumps
None
as
on
if
sun
fernery.
drought so
The
It will thrive
"
culture.
alpestre,the alpinepolypody, closelyresembles
P.
the
in
lady
a
fern.
It
well-drained
hardy fernery if
position. Scarcelygood enough for
will thrive in
the
pots.
P.
colour
the
dryopteris,
of which
is
a
oak
sure
fern,
lovely species,the
for bad
cure
extravagantlycheerful and
plantedout it must have a
a
so
very
temper
;
it is
so
pleasinglydelicate. If
shady, sheltered,moist
British Ferns.
POLrrODIOI
TULGAEE,
Var.
CAlIBEICUir.
85
86
The
place. It is
ledge of rock
Fern
of the
one
best
in the world
ferns
for
a
fernery,or to grow in a large
shallow pan as a specimen.
P. phegopteris,
the beech fern; distinct and pretty,
growing freelyout of doors with the help of shade and
moisture.
fine fern for pots and
A
to
plant near a
fountain, as it attains its fullest beauty only in an
It must,
atmosphere heavilycharged with moisture.
drained at the roots.
however, be perfectly
P. Robertianum, or P. calcareum, the limestone
pody,
polya
pretty and peculiarlygreyish-colouredplant
which
loves
almost
any
P.
as
in the
Garden.
chalk
cool
or
limestone
and will endure
soil,
the sunshine
as
patiently
vulgare.
PoLYSTiCHUM.
fern,is the
choicest
of this section,a
and
good in every
that it will
common
ungulare^ the soft,pricklyshield
P.
"
sporting much
occur
of the fern hunter.
The
the
P.
of
It
shade
and
a
"
is
so
finds^^
sandy,loamy
are
them
invaluable
for pot
culture,
adapted for cases,
concinnum, cristatum,grandiceps,grandidens, latipes,
plumosuMj proliferum. The last named is a charming
fern for pot culture,and thrives alike in frame, greenhouse,
or
smallest
form.
particular.
not
followingvarieties
trulyfine plant,
amongst the earliest
It loves
soil,or leaf soil,but is
and
in
rock, but will grow
well
"
stove.
aculeatuvfiythe
pricklyshield
bold, and handsome.
distinct,
Plant
and
fern, is
it in
leave it alone for several years if you
thrive. A fine pot fern.
P.
the
lonchitis,
holly fern, a
a
once
shady spot
wish
handsome
at
to
see
it
military-
9S
The
POLTPODIUM
Fern
Garden.
ORYOPTEEIS.
British
89
Ferns.
looking fern,rather difficult to manage, but deserving
good generalship. If planted out give it a shaded,
spot, and
sheltered
consistingof
mixture
half
least
at
loam
a
barrow
parts, peat
two
full of
one
a
part,
sharp grit and small broken bricks one part. It is a
good pot plantif kept in a moist frame.
P. aquilina,the brakes, or bracken, is one
Pteris.
of all. Plant it out in good loam or
of the best known
to run, as it is a persistent
peat where it will have room
Ten
traveller.
years ago I planted a piecenot so big
hand on a bank in my out-door fernery,and now
as
my
it covers
at least ten square yards of ground; at one
point
"
gravelwalk and come
It makes
a
good pot plant,and
up on the other side.
also a good wall plant if planted at the foot of a shady
of horizontallyplaced
wall and
kept up by means
lengthsof tarred stringor copper wire. These supports
foot apart ; they will not be
should be placed about
a
visible,and the effect will be a wall richlyfringed as
in its
with
crossed
climbing ferns.
be seen,
the
it has
course
we
plantin
ScoLOPENDRiuM.
tongue,
to
go
one
see
the
bracken
as
it should
and skirt
breezy moorland
is, perhaps, the most
truly
the
it
woodside;
warm
rustic
must
To
the
Britain.
"
of the
S.
vuJgave
very
first
ferneiy. This plant will
not
is the
harts-
common
of
requisites
the
hardy
live in the full sunshine,
good mellow loamy soil,or tough fibrous
to attain the growth it
peat, with plenty of moisture
ever,
It is,howshould, say a length of two to four feet.
an
accommodating plant,as the fern hunter will
learn by observation, for it will be found on damp
soon
and
it needs
a
90
The
POLTSTICHUM
Fern
Garden.
^XGULAEE.
British
Ferns.
/'^
"yd
\^
V,
POLTPODiril
PHE"0PTEEI5.
91
The
92
banks
in
shady lanes_,on
where
there is not
covers
an
wellj and
the
dry stone
shade
much
old brick wall
with
as
it
true
dustyroads,
for it^and frequently
felt of small yellowish
the bricks inside a
growing between
towards the
putting its huge tongues down
and a good companion to
is a splendidobject^
will thrive
maidenhair^ which
position. The speciesand
rate pot plants.
most
similar
a
first-
EAMO-MAHGiyATFiT.
generallyuseful
of the ferns which
in
all the varieties make
YITLGAEE
SCOLOPEyDEirM:
The
a
walls in
When
fronds.
water^
Garden.
Fern
of the
and
varieties^
one
be first of all secured
should
by the
rockery fern.
grand pot or
The followingare handsome
pot plants,the smallest of
them
well adapted for cases
:
bimarginato-multifidumy
atum, glomeratum, laceratum,
digit
%ornutum, cristatura,
sum-ma
jus Wardii.
l^acrosorum, ramo-marginatum, ramo
T. radicans, the
Bristle fern, reTrichomaxes.
cultivation,is crispum,
a
"
,
"
British
POLTPODIUM
Ferns,
EOBEETIAXrM.
93
The
94
the
roots
surface,it
them
of
will
be
out
in their
stone
tough
are
spread them
Garden.
similar to that of the
quirestreatment
As
Fern
and
necessary
on
the
surface
placeswith
them.
upon
themselves,and
Tunbridge fern.
wiry,and spread on the
in planting a piece to
In
after that
pegs,
due
of the
or
stone, and
fix
by placing nodules
time
they
will attach
the
plant will grow well if
taken care
of. Small
cases
appropriatedsolelyto these
ferns are
to
intenselyinteresting.They ought never
be planted in cases
with ferns that need ventilation,
as
nearlyall other kinds do. I had a largeleakyaquarium.
Instead of having it repaired,
bored
in the
hole was
a
slate bottom, and
sheet of very stout
cut
a
glass was
then formed
rockery was
with coke and cement
in one
large block, and on this
radicans,
Hymenophyllum Tunbridgense,Trichomanes
Zealand
and the New
filmy fern Todea pellucidawere
planted. They have thriven and have a rich luxurious
The
a
leaky aquarium has thus become
appearance.
to fit the
grand
top.
fern
A
miniature
case.
dark corner
damp stone or a very damp warm
of a greenhouse, the filmy ferns grow
freelyif their
rhizomes
are
merely fixed to the walls. They soon run
delicate felt or livingwallpaper.
form
a
up the bricks,and
In
a
alpina,an Alpine Woodsia, is a pretty
little fern,requiringframe or house culture.
ever,
W. ilvensis is a beautiful pot plant. It may, howin the open
be grown
fernery,if in a sheltered
well-drained
position,in a sandy peat soil. The
Woodsias
not adapted for beginners.
are
WooDsiA.
"
W.
.'^X'^x^
.
GLEICHENIA
An
elegant
GLAUCESCENS.
RUPESTRIS
Fern
for
culture
in
a
warm
Greenhouse.
RACTICALLY
the stove
to the
and
as
are
on
in
consists
the
increase
ferns
found
are
and
cool ferntioned
propor-
in which
house
green-
growing
Various
wild.
in which
conditions
ferns thrive
come
surface^they all be-
earth's
conditions
to
or
of temperature
of the climates
parts of the
amenable
of the frame
those
the climates
different
FERNS.
agement
only difference in the manferns of the greenhouse and
from
character
stove
95
the
of the
house
Ferns.
STOVE
AND
GREENHOUSE
OF
Stove
XII.
CHAPTER
CULTIVATION
and
of Greenhouse
Cultivation
nearly
when
uniform
delicate fern of
Give the most
subjectedto cultivation.
similar to what is advised for our
the tropicstreatment
at every
native fernSj but with a higher temperature
season
of the year, and
the
chances
full ten
are
to
one
perfectly. But undoubtedly it
requires some
judgment to assimilate conditions in
the midst of which there occurs
this important difference
of temperature, and so we
cannot
expect to disposeof
the subjectof this chapterin any offhand or very general
that
it
manner.
the main
will
succeed
However,
pointsof
we
our
outdoor, for frame, and
constantlyrecommended
must
advice
beg
to
reader
the
use
recall
this extent, that
for cool-house
the
to
of
ferns,we
a
for
have
granular
and
96
The
Garden.
Fern
peaty soil,a considerable degree of
atmospherichumidity,shade from strong sunshine, and,
mellow, loamy
in
some
the
which
the
subdued
very
is
success
daylight,as
most
likelyto
tions
condi-
secured.
be
most
of the utto be considered
are
requisites
importance in the cultivation of tender ferns,and
several
more
that
so
removed
from
the
the
farther
plants of
the cultivator be to
kind
any
natural
circumstances
should
anxious
more
a
cases,
under
These
or
to
are
them, the
providefor
all
their wants.
thing to see ferns and flowering
servatory.
plantsmixed togetherin the same
greenhouse or conwell when
them
It is quitepossibleto grow
80
associated,but so few are equal to the task that
when
with ferns and flowers in the same
meet
house,
we
It is
we
of
a
common
both in a deplorablecondition
or
usuallyfind one
disease or imperfectdevelopment.
love shade
Ferns
thrive best in
a
and
still air,flowers
atmosphere, and many
prizedneed abundant
humidity, while ferns
abundance
of it,there
capable
of
enduring
aerial moisture
These
to
ventilation.
not
As
few
very
are
are
the
While
be
said
causes
of
which
of flowers
plants in
of many
if due
stoves
and
is before
care
we
are
juncture,for
this
at
this matter
that
kinds
many
injury the degree of
benefit the growth of ferns.
reader
associations
atmospheric
exceptionsenjoy
to
without
that would
the
Ferns
usuallyrequirea moving
that
most
are
highly
kinds
with
sunshine.
love
important considerations
are
place before
should
flowers
be
bitter
us,
and
bound
criminate
indishouses
green-
disappointments.
however, it
exercised, many
of Greenhouse
Cultivation
kinds
of
houses
be
floweringplants may
ferns,if the selection
with
in the first instance^and
light,"c., are
selected
will be
that
found
Stove
in
grown
97
the
same
is made
best
the
Ferns.
judiciously
positionsas to air,
for them.
Thus,
to sorts
as
it
camellias,azaleas,cyclamens,primulas,
well adapted to
are
liliums,oleas,and statices,
greenhouseferns,if the
associate with
are
and
sunniest
positions
assignedthem; on the other hand, heaths,pelargoniums,
echeverias, epiphyllums,boronias, epacris,
and
kalosanthes,
air and
sunshfne
are
than
far less
suitable,needing
ferns could
most
endure
more
without
be
remembered, however, that many
beautiful plants,such as palms, for example, may
be.
injury.
grown
It
must
with ferns to afford
of treatment
and
variety,
will suit both.
In
the
the stove
same
it is
routine
common
calaalocascias,
enough to find achimenes, gloxinias,
diums, begonias,gesneras, and marantas, associated
with ferns without the least injuryto either. Yet in the
full blaze of
sunshine,where
thrive,it would
a
croton
or
an
ixora would
be almost
impossiblefor a fern to live,
So
except in the form of a disgraceto its possessor.
far we
that compromises are
see
possible.There is
of associating
ferns and flowering
yet another mode
banks
house, and that is to make
plantsin the same
and
rockeries
beneath
the
stages
where
shade
and
humidity will favour the growth of ferns,and render
otherwise useless and unsightlyas attractive
positions
nearlyas the stages themselves,on which the amaryllids
the pelargoniumsare blooming bravely. A bank of
or
peat faced with large burrs answers
admirably for a
ferneryof this sort, and the varieties of cystopteris,
7
The
98
Fern
Garden,
are
woodsia, scolopendrium,and selaginella,
pretty sure
readily,while in the most select spots,hymenophyllums, trichomanes, todeas, and maidenhairs,
become
will soon
established,and acquirea luxuriance
to it
to take
of
mere
growth without
mockery of
the
all
such
least care,
closed
our
and
cases
make
to
as
a
bell-glasses,
tion
expresslyfor the cultivaof the fern garden.
of these gems
be a doubt that the plan recommended
There cannot
in Chapter VII for the cultivation of hardy ferns under
glassis the best also for greenhouse and stove ferns,
and
curious
unless
whole
it be
or
a
desire
the
A
necessary.
ferns of all climates, and
which
circumstances
forms
we
cultivator
of
the nature
a
have
to
the
in which
case,
stage
table
or
spacious fernery adapted for
for the displayof them
under
justlydescribe as natural,
may
valuable
of the most
one
of the
part of the collection in pots,
something in
of course,
becomes
constructed
caves
embellishments
a
den
gar-
enjoyableat all seasons, and especially
in winter, when
so
rough weather forbids our seeking
open-airenjoyments, and when, perhaps, if weather
permitted,we should find but little in the garden or
boast
can
"
the field to interest
the kind I
One
us.
on
and
which
the rafters
without.
length,the
banks
and
there is in
and
surrounded
one
be
either side
on
spot
with
a
garden of
are
to form
as
may
about
are
formed
Alfred
plate
within
eightyfeet
in
with
of
of solid
borders
varied
basin tenanted
ferns
structures
either side of the
on
rest, so
house
The
walls
The
extend
of peat, which
best
is in the
acquaintedwith
am
Smee, Esq., Carshalton.
banks
of the
in
outline,
gold fish,
of peculiarly novel
aspect.
Cultivation
of
Greenhouse
Stove
and
Ferns.
99
a
by the spray from
fountain.
The roof is a span
running east and west j
the south side of it is covered with felt^and the north
side with glass^
admits abundance
of light,
a plan which
The
and renders
whole
shading wholly unnecessary.
is placed on
structure
a
slope, the lower part being
considerablybelow the outside ground level. At this
lowest part is placedthe furnace, and there is an extra
which
constantlybedewed
are
service of
pipes there
In the middle
maintain
to
there
of the house
stove
a
are
temperature.
fewer
pipes,and
greenhouse temperature is kept. At the upper end
Thus
in one
the pipessuffice only to keep frost out.
house the ferns of tropical,
temperate, and frigidzones
all accommodated, and though the whole
structure
are
the most
is rough, and has been
constructed
on
nomical
ecothe interior presents at all seasons
principles,
and affords a most
a grand spectacle,
delightful
promenade.
a
Although, as explained above, ferns and flowering
be grown
do
plants may
together,those who would
justiceto the former must
appropriatea house to them
exclusively.It is possibleto adapt a south aspect to
the
a
purpose,
A
difficulty.
The
a
near
sufficient
the
elsewhere
change
it is not
north
should
house
enters, and
we
but
service
pipes to
others
unless
want
afford
in
roof
house
is
a
to the
rushing
wind
very
pipes,and
warmth
the
to encounter
to
at
each
health
so
steep pitch,
ventilators
the fresh air
end, but
largeone.
or
such
aspect is the best"
of not
of hot- water
the
a
roof
a
of air is essential
do not
north-west
or
have
advisable
A
as
it
none
frequent
of the ferns,but
much
ventilation
100
The
to render
as
Fern
the air of the house
will lose their freshness
Thousands
called
of villas
and
are
where
of these
all the
and
verias ;
succulent
the
in
would
ones
pots
or
what
with
be
to
are
admirably
exposed to
answer
not
long. The sunniest
admirably for grape
answer
plants,such
shady
ferns, whether
would
summer
little glassannexes
that the fronds
furnished
now
they happen
burning sunshine
dry
so
health.
conservatories/'which
"
for ferneries
vines
Garden.
and
cactuses
as
admirably
answer
planted
eche-
miniature
in
out
for
rockeries.
In
the
the
of
management
important
most
greenhouse
is to
matter
and
ferns
stove
secure
suitable
a
temperature for each
The
to
department or group of plants.
greenhouse kinds require a temperature of 40"
50" all the winter, but from the middle
of April
until the
middle
with
of October
altogether,unless
cold ; and
the
case
every
ferns
stove
60" in winter
ranging from
In
artificialheat may
the
to
to
amount
the weather
is exceptionally
require a temperature
90" in
summer.
of moisture
temperature, the
below.
pensed
be dis-
more
When
must
heat
be proportioned
the
more
the
plants are
growing freelythe syringe should be used to produce a
twice a day, and water
fine shower
them
or
over
once
both
water,
above
and
abundant
an
sprinkledon the floor to cause
supplies
evaporation. They will also require plentiful
should
be
of water
at
There
which
as
for
is
the roots.
no
large class of plants in cultivation
for
safelygive generalcultural directions
treatfernSjyet certain kinds requireexceptional
we
may
so
adviser
their
on
ferns
stove
Garden.
would
cultivation
Fully half
for them.
good
as
Fern
The
102
known
to
dare
to recommend
of the whole
cultivators have
of
number
well grown
been
in
greenhouse temperature, and a very largeproportion
of greenhouse ferns, properly so
been
called, have
artificial
aid from
to
perfection,without
grown
any
heat, in our
own
garden. Our large specimens of
Adiantum
Asplenium biformis,
cuneatum,
"c. "c., that
brasiliense,
have
never
known
a
time
when
they
started
until
they
so
or
attained
This
across.
in
the
Hibberd's
side
of ferns
the natives
perfecthealth
all in the most
the
from
under
spores
in
of the
and
closed
cases,
Mrs.
ferns of the
containingdelicate
side with
by
from
public,
bell-glasses
of a yard
their present dimensions
is particularly
fied
exempliadaptability
cultivation
cases
in
artificial heat
of
taste
exhibited
have
we
Blechnum
tropics
woods^ yet
British
beauty.
always consist in gre^\
sand ; mellow
loam, silky
soil for pot ferns should
The
part of vegetablemould
and
the
crumbling to powder between
fingerswithout soilingthem ; peat of a brownish rather
blackish
of
than
a
cast, and containing an abundance
vegetable fibre,so as rather to require tearing than
crumbling to reduce it ; sand of a sharp clean nature :
to
the
these
and
touch
three
of
a
universal
delicate
small
sufficient for the
ingredientsare
fern
habited
compost.
ferns
use
In
two
full
peat,
one
fibrous
part loam, and
portions to
be
one
laid
parts peat,
the
moving
re-
third sand.
part sand, the
over
of very
case
rougher portions,and one
growing and rather large plants use
all the
For
the
tion
prepara-
two
parts
rougher
crocks, and
the
bulk
be
to
used
habited
robust
of two
consist
sand,
with
brick
or
in
liberal
tile of
103
Ferns.
For
lumpy state.
verylarge growth the compost should
parts loam^
a
Stove
rather
a
of
sorts
and
Greenhouse
of
Cultivation
part peat^ and
one
all
addition
the
of broken
through
walnuts
of
size
of
one
hazel-nuts.
or
require a drier soil than ordinaryshould
have a compost
sand, less loam, and
containing more
the addition
of a considerable
proportionof pounded
Ferns
that
bricks
or
charcoal.
particularkind
No
of
for
is necessary
pots
the
greenhouse ferns, but, as a
rule,they do not root deeply,and shallow pots are to
made
for specimens are
be preferred. Those
use
we
for us
by Messrs. Adams, of the Potteries,Belle Isle,
of
cultivation
King's Cross
;
they are
their
depth.
specimens is
inches deep.
two
or
A
burnt,
In these
three, and
even
allow
four
or
in
wide
inches
we
and
fully
substance, care-
proportionswider
size with
favorite
thirteen
in
stout
extra
well
finished,and
than
and
stove
our
five
us
for medium
and nine
(inside),
specimensto remain
being
years, without
potted
repotted,though, as a rule, all pot ferns should be reannuallyin February or [March, both to repair
effete soil,and
the defects of the drainage and remove
supply fresh food for maintaining a vigorousgrowth.
portance
imIn every case
thorough drainage is of the utmost
and
unless
the
crown
what
very
progress
operator
As
matter.
no
vour
follows
for
with
indicate
certain I shall leave
be made
in
fern
culture
especialattention to this
be requisiteto
else may
pays
whatever
labours
to
can
success,
as
I will
clearlyas
unsaid
much
I
in
endeavour
can,
that
but
it is
might
be
101
The
said, but
read
the
point
I
1
where
"
Our
stop
needful
Unhedg'd
far,
studies
which
knowledge,
lies open
ADIANTTJM
have
in
assisted
advantage,
to
your
authority
under
direction
Nature
of
Garden.
thus
even
may,
Book
Fern
never
like
life's
will
our
common
FAELEYENSE.
that
so
take
fails.
needful
food,
field."
a
you
to
at
the
better
XIII.
CHAPTER
FIFTY
HE
SELECT
GREENHOUSE
FERNS.
selections I shall make
chapter will comprise
and
collection in which
most
106
Ferns,
Fifty Select Greenhouse
various
in this and
ferns
of
the
the next
most
tinct
dis-
characters, essential in any
beauty and
desired,and all of them
character
are
suitable for
the
qualities
beginnersin
gold and silver ferns will be
included
in these selections; they will be dealt with
ginners
bethan
skill and care
separately,as needing more
Technical
them.
are
likelyto bestow upon
of this
not to be thought of in a work
are
descriptions
cultivation.
None
of the
kind.
a
Anemidictyon phyllitidis,
pretty flowering fern,
adapted for pot culture,or to plant out, or for the fern
case.
Adiantum
assimile, A.
cuneatum,
formosum, A.
requiringshade,
A.
fulvum, A. tinctum, a charming group,
have water
not
rooting deep, and better if they never
their fronds.
over
They are all adapted for specimen
of the most
culture, the last is one
elegant in form
fronds.
and has a rosy purplishtint on its young
Asplenium bulbiferum,A. caudaturriyA. dimidiatum,
A. hemionitis
A. dimorphurrij
(or palmata), A. lucidum,
106
The
Fern
Garden.
.^^jm
nfr%
ADIANTITM
CUNEATrjI.
Fifty Select
A.
obtusatum, A.
of
this
beginner can
As
to
107
Ferns.
two
the merest
management,
greenhouse, yet
the
which
dimorphum,
noble
two
occidentale,B. brasiliense,
for
striking
most
well.
them
grow
Blechnum
suitable
and
heraionitis
be first secured.
should
The
prcemorsum.
are
group
Greenhouse
ferns,
tender, and
rather
utterlyincapableof bearing a touch of frost.
Campyloneurum phyllitidis,a very distinct
fronded fern, which
forms
a
striking objectwhen
is
It
grown.
greenhouse is
fern
should
commonly
the proper
be
rich
but
fibre,
it should
Abundance
of
is
growing.
shade, but,
and
be
not
sectttya charming pair,and
It is easy to
grow.
soil and
excess
soil,and
must
be
given
shallow
while
water
pegged
"
Hare's-foot
the
"
the
by
plant
means
or
sun
fern, D.
easiest of the
kill Davailias
rooter.
dis-
family to
of heavy
equally easy to grow them
plenty of drainage, a very gritty
moderation.
The
fleshyrhizomes
of water;
perfectionwith
to
be
a
in
particularwhether
will not bear roasting.
canariense, the
Davallia
it is
deep,as
It is not
of course,
well
kept in the stove, but the
place for it. The soil for this
gritty,containing plenty of
should
water
entire
in
out
upon
the
surface
in
plantingnew
pieces.
of the genus
I
is the only one
flabellata
recommend
to a beginner. It is a fern of large
can
trained like a delicate
growth, requiringto be carefully
climbing plant. Plant in a shallow pot, give plentyof
mastered
have
and
water
plenty of air. When
you
add G. dicarpa and G. speluncce.
this one
Goniophlebium appendiculatum,a splendidedition (we
Gleichenia
108
The
Fern
Garden,
mn
'SK
m
'"\
CAIIPTLONETJETTM
PHTLLITIDIS.
The
110
the
potsherdsto
Garden,
Fern
Do
compost.
not
wet
the
fronds
at
all.
divided brightly
coloured
a finely
Hypolepistenuifolia,
of Avater.
fern, requiringabundance
Litobrochia
incisa,rather coarse, but worth having ;
it will take care
of itself almost anywhere.
Lastrea quinqangularis
L. patens^ two exquisite
gems,
cool
They thrive in our
cheap, but not common.
^
fernery.
magellanicajL. gibba, L. chiliense,grand
the
ferns,nearly hardy, and indispensable in even
almost
L. gibba will endure
smallest collection.
any
Lomaria
hardship except frost.
Lygodium Japonicum, L. scandens, the two
for a beginner. They may
climbing ferns
best
"
"
trained
to
sticks
wires
or
rich
a
thurifraga,
Mohria
in
the
same
way
fernery^but
It thrives in the cool
volvulus.
con-
a
as
fern,good enough
be
for
hibition.
ex-
is rather
tender.
Nephrodium molle corymbiferum,a charming tasselled
fern, like a cockscomb; rather tender, and therefore
to be lost if kept damp and cool in winter ;
pretty sure
greenhouse fern, and one of the best.
pretty entire-fronded
Niphoboluslingua,N. rupestris,
ferns,requiringa dry soil,with plenty of broken brick
yet it is
and
a
sand.
Well
adapted
several years
past
of this
in
and
the
class
a
full blaze
perfectly.Any
have
we
sunny
of the
excess
also for
the
fern
case.
For
a collection of ferns
grown
part of the geranium house,
sun
has
of moisture
agreed
with
will kill them.
them
Fifty Select
GreenJiouse
Ferns.
Ill
is the
only one of this splendid
for the greenhouse,,though
family I can recommend
logues.
they are all classed as greenhouse ferns in trade catathat you
must
This, however, is so distinct,
have it if you buy only a dozen.
Onychium Japonicum, a delicate fennel-like fern,
Nephrolepis tuber
NEPHEODIUM
osa
MOLIE,
var.
COETaiBIFEEIJM.
fragile,fairy like, yet nearly hardy,
health,if thoroughly shaded.
Platyloma rotundifolia,
very distinct
in fruit. It must
have deep shade.
and
always
and
fine
in
when
112
The
POLTPODIUM
Fern
Garden,
YENOSUM.
Fifty Select
Greenhouse
in the
Ferns.
113
of
Niplioboluslingua,
its ruddy fruits are ripe. This
a charming objectwhen
fern requirespeculiar
treatment^ and if properlyplanted
Polypodium
venosum
in the first instance
In
the
case
any
will
roots
way
occasion
be
must
trouble
no
whatever.
well drained, for
extra
this
plant. The
of equalparts gritty
soil which suits it best is a mixture
to the
leaf-mould, sandy peat, and potsherdsbroken
moisture
stagnant
In
size of peas.
of
to
mixture,
a
which
material
some
such
depth (fourinches
in
inches
is certain death
is
will
not
than
more
on
sufficient),
allow
of
six
bottom
a
for
ready escape
surplusmoisture,the plant will do well,and prove itself
almost
an
hardy fern. Obviously the best way to deal
with
a
plant so constituted is to suspend it. "When
in a basket in a warm
forms
greenhouse it soon
grown
the tawny rhizome
a fine specimen,
creeps about wildly,
and soon
the basket with a beautiful complexity
covers
of cord -like windings, and from every part of it,except
the young
pushing shoots of the season, barren and
fertile fronds
are
produced in plenty. To increase it
is easy enough j cut
off a portion of rhizome
with
and
fronds
mixture
as
it proper
attached
roots
;
is recommended
for
encouragement,
Phlebodium
aureum,
pot it in the
and
P.
glaucous tinted ferns,with
upon
in the
the surface.
books, but
as
them
of
any
in
in luxuriant
gritin
They are
they are as
the soil,and
of
and give
specimen plants,
it will
soon
make
a
plant.
bold
sporodocarpurn, two
ruddy
both
rhizomes
classed
easy to
this list ; at
condition
sort
same
stove
in
grow
all events
in the
as
that
we
a
can
cool house.
perfectdrainage.
8
run
ferns
house
green-
keep
Plenty
The
114
Garden,
Fern
Polystichum setosum, a lovelydark green fern,will
of itself anywhere in the shade.
take care
P. hastata, P. cretia albo lineata,
Pteris ternifolia,
P. scabeynda, P. flabellata,
runs
a fine group
; scaberula
about,and should not be put into a case for that reason
;
but in
basket, which
a
home
at
thrives in
for the
as
;
allow it to
will
the list it is
last in
out, it is
peep
lovely,and
cool house.
our
Platycerium alcicorne is absolutelyindispensablefor
its curious
or
habit
but should
of old wood, scoop
peat, and
the
up
block
by
the
roof
several times
Todea
Zealand
am
of
its tawny
of
a
seven
It will in
cool house
Then
(we
hang
syringe
time
cover
call them
A
for ten
^^pot
planthas hung
years, and
has
frozen.
pellucida and
T.
siiperbaare
of the most
filmyferns
to
shields
fine
some
wire, and
copper
grand object.
our
been
half afraid
plantfirmly.
j^ear round.
make
put in it
hole, and
a
means
the
with
block
and
lids^^),
near
out
in that hole fix the
frequentlyall
the
It will bear
its hardiness.
right again,
degreesof frost,and yet come
be so much
never
punished. Get a block
ten
even
and
recommend
a
pairof
New
I
exquisitecharacter.
them
to beginners,yet
they only want deep shade and moisture to succeed to
age,
as
they are nearlyhardy. Plenty of drainperfection,
and all
plenty of patience,as little air as possible,
will be well.
fine plants growing in a
I have
some
disused
(because leaky) aquarium; they are in fine
condition.
They are covered close with a sheet of glass
and
never
have
any
air at all.
Thamnopteris australasica
is too
good
to be
omitted.
Fifty Select
PTEEIS
Greenhouse
SCABEEIJLA.
Ferns.
115
The
116
call it
You
may
and
thrives
sublime
a
the
in
Garden.
Fern
in
will suffice for its management
Mr.
in the
by
summer
to
exposure
daring
in
fern
of this
dozens
the
had
Gibson
a
make
to
and
bed
a
in
1867,
the
vulgar atmosphere
one
of
few
a
Park
Battersea
of
of
not
greenhouse.
warm
shady spot
a
practice,however,
little
A
stove.
warmth,
It loves
hartstongue.
them
of this
suffered
degenerate
clime.
find
first is
The
live.
then, and
growth,
it will
and
on
their
a
:
varied
and
Lomaria
plenium dimorphum,
as
produce
cretica
group
gibha,
var.
it has
a
it
is
of
who
can
now
and
smaller
purplish tint
plants in
young
of
ance
abund-
-g^i^s^^^g-
adapted
for
brasiliense,As-
hemionitis
(also known
sporodocarpum,
Microflabellata,
exaltata, Tliamnopteris
radicans^
crispa.
following
twelve
albo-lineata, Gleichenia
Woodwardia
The
"
Phlebodium
lepia platyphyllaj Nephrolepis
australasica,
;
other
Blechnum
Asplenium
Asplenium palmatum),
Pteris
the
Ferns.
Greenhouse
rich
exhibition
;
at
yet
fronds.
mature
Exhibition
form
satisfied
Both
beginner
a
growing it,look
scarcelyless hardy
growing.
when
be
to
as
large
hardships, and
many
indispensable to
for it,and
room
orientalis, grand
bear
will
that
ferns
growing
W.
radicans,
Woodwardia
Pteris
flabellata
Stove
Thirty Select
STOVE
SELECT
NEIMIA
coUina,
;
divisions
the
from
manner
a
of
A.
tenerum,
of which
can
A.
pronounced
the
are
so
decide
Farleyense might
beautiful
most
not
bear
beauties
which
of
BJechnum
two
are
the young
Davallia
a
smallest
offhand
known^
A.
;
it is
one
be
way
the
but
there
impossibleto
them.
serra,
A.
viv'iparum.
laro-e-o-rowino:exhibition
The
fern
one
:
delicate beauties.
noble fern^ well adapted
a
brasiliense,
exhibition^and
Brainea
is
an
fern
kind
is the best amongst
these
in
not
criticism^just because
of the
Asplenium formosum,
the other
radiate
centre.
common
would
many
second
elegantlittle
in a regular
distinct and
fronds
the
quires
re-
treatment.
trapeziforme
; a splendidgroup^
the
be dispensed with
in even
collection.
assertion
very
an
concinnunijA. Farleyense,A. macrophyUurriy
Adiantum
A.
of
representativeof
flowering ferns. It
commonplace
Adiantopsis radiata, a
fern
FERNS.
fine
a
interestinggroup
the most
117
XIV.
CHAPTEK
THIRTY
Ferns,
of the
for
easiest to manage.
a
insignis,
grand fern, palm-like in growth,
fronds
tinged with a lovelyrosy hue.
The
fronds
polyantha, D. aculeata.
of the
118
The
first have
a
rich
rosy
crimson
DAA^ALLIA
other
of
a
is
thorny as
climbing fern.
as
a
Garden,
Fern
tinge when
young;
the
in the
style
ACULEATA.
bramble, and
grows
Thirty
P0LTP0DIU3I
Select
Stove
LACHNOPODIUM.
Ferns,
119
The
120
Fern
Garden.
Elaphoglossum frigidum,a curious
species,with
entire
covered
grey
with
Nothing
most
beautiful
pendant fronds, whicli are
scales,givingit a hoary appearance.
in its way
Gleichenia
and
wavy,
can
surpass
'puhescens,one
of
it.
finest and
the
easiest
plantsof this section. Deserves all the care that
be given it to form a fine specimen.
can
handsome
a
particularly
Goniophlebiumfraxinifoliurrij
divided fern, of a delicate pale green colour.
once
in fruit,
Goniopteriscrenata, extremely pretty when
and well worth growing as a specimen.
distinct and
beautiful;
crinitum, most
Hymenodium
in the least resembling any other fern known
not
; the
fronds are like the large leaves of some
tropicaltree,
denselybearded with black hairs.
Hemtoniils
palmata, a distinct ivy-likefern, bearing
tiny young plantson its fronds.
many
stove
Lomaria
fern,the
attenuata,
young
fronds
a
very
pretty little blechnum-like
of which
have
a
delicate rosy hue.
Lygodium flexuosum, the grandest of
ferns;
the
climbing
scarce.
Nephrodium glandulosmn, extremelypretty and liar;
pecuthe fronds once
divided; shininggreen.
Nephrolepis exaltata,N. pectinata,the two best table
and sideboard
ferns known, and
first rate, too, for the
centre
of
a
fine
vase
or
large
case
group.
We
have
plantsof both speciesin the endeavour
to make
greenhouse ferns of them.
Polypodiimi lachnopodum, P. Henchmanni, P. phythe metallic
matodeSj three fine and very distinct species;
blue colour of the second is peculiarand pleasing.
lost many
fine
Thirty Select
POLTPODir:M
Stove
HZyCHilAyyil.
Ferns.
121
122
The Fern
POLTPODir^r
Garden,
PHYITATODES.
124
Fern
The
Garden,
CHAPTER
GOLD
i^^^OXE
of
AND
the
XY.
SILVER
so-called
FERN'S.
o;old and
K^ysi\ adapted for beginners. They
.j^T^-^.'
beautiful
silver
are
so
ferns
are
superbly
people altogetherunaccustomed
to ferns buy tliern and
in greenhouses^supposing
put them
that watering now
and then is all the care
they
of a month
the plantsdie,
wantj and in the course
so
or
and
an
absurd
that ferns
in
that
inference
is drawn
from
the
occun^ence
impossiblethings. It is quite
certain
that a veiy large number
of maidenhair
ferns
killed by ladies who
are
pretend to love ferns and really
have no real care
for them
at all ; but
probably there
killed through absurd
are
ment
treatmore
gymnogrammas
than
general are
any
require but
other
little
class of ferns whatever.
more
care
than
most
Yet
others
;
they
their
is that if that care
is denied them
peculiarity
they die
other kinds
survive neglect
outright; whereas many
and iU-treatment_,
and regain their cheerful looks ^^in
no
time
If
we
^^
if proper
could
repeat in
cautions
that have
point we
should
of
gold and
is resorted
treatment
have
been
a
an
intensified
given
Instead
form
in this work
code
practical
silver ferns.
to.
of
all the
up
to
this
for the cultivation
attempting that, I
Gold
will sketch
reader
each
hint
of life
in
each
word
direction
as
a
and
deaths
or
ignored. The
soon
plants can
carefullydrained
the
greatest
be
may
of
means
ferns
the
be
larger than
consist
the
very
with
of
large proportionof sharp
a
issues
be
They must
potsherds packed
should
soil
meaning,
observed^ trifled with,
never
roots.
The
care.
with
pregnant
as
involving for
fill with
by
words, begging-tlie
few
very
must
pots
peat and
fibrous
they
as
or
a
125
Ferns.
Silver
code
out
regard
to
and
good
siliceous
grit; silver sand is almost too fine,but must be used if
The plantsmust
granular is obtainable.
nothing more
the
well
above
the
be potted firmly with
crowns
Thenceforward
surface.
and
temperature
the
of the utmost
humidity are
importance.
small proportionof all the gold and silver ferns
cultivation require the heat of the stove, but not one
degree
Only a
in
the
of
will
of them
that
kinds
their
whim.
much
) to
do
than
temperature
As
But
to
againstthem
that
little that
I have
the observant
said
is to
hand
to
plantsare
and
by
use
compasses
cultivator,who
is
But
modating,
accom-
bear
them
put
that
to
will
let them
go
make
in
dry is
war
imperfectdrainage,
drought. In
the
not
of them
wet
house
green-
house.
are
of
many
be humoured
must
none
very
cultivated
be wetted
they
;
principal enemies
heavy soil,cold, damp,
the fronds
us
moisture
the other
The
as
unheated
an
before
them
on
death.
in
exacting,and
are
make
jeopardy.
well
those
with
so
they
certain
lower
Thus, there are
properlybelongs to.
that thrive in a greenhouse, and many
ferns
it is not
a
it
the house
stove
endure
no
case
should
syringe. The
the whole subject,and
also diligentand conof the
126
The
Garden.
Fern
in his work, will find
stant
with
this class of ferns is
The
followingare
Adiantum
success
best
gold
and
;
exquisite
plantonly needs
argentea,
of
secret
of the
names
sulphureum,the
Cheilanthes
the
unremittingattention.
the
silver ferns in cultivation
that
Golden
Maidenhair.
This
careful
greenhousetreatment.
delicate silver fern; greenhouse.
a
C.
C. farinosa,
borsigiana,golden; stove.
silver;a fine speciesvery distinct,
requiringgreat care;
C. fragrans, a lovely little gem
stove.
tinged with
well adapted for greenhouse or
When
case.
orange,
dried agreeably fragrant. C. elegans,silvery^
most
a
delicate and much
prized fern,best grown in a warm
greenhouse, in a compost of lumpy peat and broken
bricks or stone.
C. pulveracea,the under side silvery,
the edges golden : a fine companion to C. farinosa,and
treatment.
needing the same
chrtjsophyUa,the finest of all gold
Gymnogramma
ferns ; it must
be
in the
grown
stove.
G.
Peruviana
both surfaces,a splendid
on
argyrophylla,silvery-grey
G. ochracea, slightly
fern.
stove
golden,easy to grow,
G. sulneeding to be kept in t?ie stove all winter.
phurea, a pretty little plant,lightgreen above, sulphurbut
yellow beneath
ea, the
must
;
have
best of all silver ferns
the
stove, but may
be
for
kept in
pure
silvery-white,
beginners;
good condition
fine
tar
G. Tar-
treatment.
it thrives
in
a
in
house.
green-
silverycompanion to
N.
farinosa,and requiring similar care.
beautiful miniature
golden fern;
exquisitely
Nothochlcena
fiavens,an
fronds
side of the
under
the
Cheilanthes
stove
argentea,
a
Tree
a
good
diminutive
companion
and
for
Ferns.
N.
nivea,
densely powdered
GONIOPTEEIS
127
with
CEENATA.
which
is
equally
silveryfarina.
Fern
The
128
Garden.
XVI.
CHAPTER
TREE
REE
ferns have
of
fern
FERNS.
brought within
been
who
growers
happen
the reach
not
to
be
lectors,
enterpriseof trade colbe purchased accordingto size,rarity,
may
five guineas each and onwards.
Those,
millionaires, by the
and
"c., at
from
however, who
blest with
would
like
to
grow
their own,
and
who
patience,may obtain young
each.
shillings
plantsto begin with at from five to fifty
There is much
of purchasingyoung
to be said in favour
plants; they are extremely ornamental, and the greenhouse
will thrive in the shady parts of a conkinds
servatory
where
scarcelyanything else would
grow.
in the purchase of fine
If it is intended
to embark
specimen tree ferns it will be important to consider
first the
available, for the spread of a fine
space
Dicksonia
or
Cyathea is considerable,and it is not good
rub their fronds against the glass roof,
for them
to
are
however
There
than
should
sand
the
needful
be shaded.
it may
carefully
are
no
speciesof filices more
such
as
are
classed
be the best peat in
added
;
as
a
"tree
easy to
ferns/^
rough state, with
the addition,however, of
cultivate
The
but
sphagnum
soil
little
moss
Ferns
Tree
or
fibre
cocoa-nut
Large pots
certain
of
amount
desirable
needful
are
;
the
cramping^but
in fact essential
"
Lycopodiums,
129
improves the peat for the
tubs
or
and
"
will bear
roots
a
as
purpose.
free
growth
a
is
the health
both to maintain
developingthe beauty of the plants,as much
consistent with
be allowed
must
as
possible,
pot room
the sizes of the plants and the placethey are
kept in.
Shade is of the first importance, abundance
of moisture
is indispensable.
desirable greenhouse tree ferns are DickThe most
sonia antardica, D. squarrosa,
Alsophila australis,A.
is the
first named
The
excelsa, Cyathea dealbata.
useful and is extremelylikelyto prove
most
a
hardy
plant for sheltered shady dells in the south-western
parts of England and the warmer
parts of Ireland. The
beginner should avoid Alsophila capensis as risky,and
the expert need be in no hurry to obtain it.
besides
The
desirable
most
tree
ferns
for
Alsophilag Iauc a, A. armata, Cibotium
arborea, C. microlepis.
Let
now
us
Australia
He
has
makes
found
five,or
even
fronds, and
that
suppose
you
some
them
present of
long ; he
stove
are
scheidei,Cyathea
obligingfriend
some
a
specimens with
six feet
dug
a
the
has
lot of tree
stems
cut
in
ferns.
from
four
away
all the
to
taking the trouble of
and
fact,they are stems
up, without
In
savingany of the roots.
fronds, sans
nothing more
roots, sans
stems, sans
in the air for a few
out
everything. He leaves them
days to dry,and then packs them with shavings in a
careful that this box be not
box ; let him be especially
air-tightthat is their greatest danger. In this way
"
"
9
130
The
they generally
dark
corner
be
a
place
a
day
they
as
for
times
the
day
a
the
end
the
points
the
closely coiled-up
of
fronds
is
that
two
three
or
will
you
the
upon
in the
once
quite dry.
get
sooner,
good
as
syringing
a
starting out
roots
new
to
even
close, cool,
some
greenhouse
after
them
fortnight, or
a
in
unpack
we
as
large
a
success,
now,
them
and
allow
never
a
Give
week,
the
of
stage of
have.
can
first
;
And
placed upright
under
"
pretty good
quite safely.
let them
them,
Garden.
with
come
of them
majority
Fern
centre
By
observe
and
stem,
be
to
pushing
upwards.
They
is that
opinion
things, be
all
time
soil
plants
root,
should
and
be
draughts
of
size.
wetting
dry air, and
will be
nine
the
not
be
Following
an
them
become
to
small
as
from
time
months
of
moist.
fronds
these
the
to
can
which
shade
simple
ever-increasing source
them
the
the
easily
is not
plants
your
to
moist
year
This
much,
expose
sure
always
as
peaty
pot-bound,
them
Keep
kept constantly
sunshine.
tree-ferns
allowed
Do
then, above
pots
shift
soil has
require it, using rough
may
in
beneficial.
always
place, and
it
in
candid
my
of the
Let
Use
porous.
during
without
done
bright
If
dwindle
soon
the
and
first
before.
as
fronds
be
the
as
else.
anything
open
the
in
can
you
stem
than
influence
more
condition
faith
no
soils, and
mixing
mechanical
the
I have
safely potted.
for
proportions
exact
at
be
now
may
to
from
rules, your
of
pleasure.
The
133
The
true
of
ferns
may
Fern
be
At
determine
that the adder's
lowest
in the
no
tions
gradathrough many
with
comparatively
when
all events
classified them, it needs
the
traced
physiologicalstructure
little trouble.
are
Garden.
the
botanists
have
subtletyof perception to
tongue and
ferns
moonwort
scale,and that their
ence
exist-
very
is
rally
suggestiveof a gradationof similar forms lateor
vertically
separatedfrom them to which these
least fern-like ferns serve
as
connecting links. The
plantsthat are closest allied to the ferns are the Lycothe Pepperworts,the Horsepodiumsj the Selaginellas^
After these we
tailsjand the Mosses.
get amongst
lichens and fungi, and
must
we
as
stop somewhere,
the foregoingfive families are all we
shall recognisefor
the purposes
of this chapter. Each
family contributes
beautiful plantsadapted for the fern garden, and as for
the selagineilas
they are all beautiful, and we make
selections from
usually we
amongst them, because
for the fiftyor
find room
cannot
more
species and
rmeties
known
to cultivators.
Lycopodiums
and
Selagineilasclosely resemble
and leaves,while in many
in their branches
of
mosses
their general characters
and
aspects they bear close
resemblances
ferns.
to
They are, however, distinct
from
nature
one
either, and
are
especiallycharacterised
of their leaves and
broad
their fructification.
distinction between
which
the
by
There
lycopodiums and
is
gineilas,
sela-
with
beginner may bear in mind
advantage. Lycopodiums have imbricated leaves all of
have
the same
shape spirallyarranged. Selagineilas
leaves of two sizes and slightly
in form. You
differing
the
Fern
Allies.
133
will not
fresh
but look at a
readilyperceivethese distinctions,
of Selaginella
branch
with the aid of a lens, and
you
will
that
see
stand
left there
right and
arranged in the
will
you
and
depend
to describe
Better
and
once
subjectsfor
a
evident
smaller
are
true
;
the
render
leaves
these
The
are
as
tions
distinc-
subtle,
more
these pages
quit this part
several
which
leaves
lycopodium.
would
is it to
leaves
tooth-like
such
fructification
upon
them
consider
the
of bracts
manner
find in
never
that
between
of the
families
named
some.
weari-
subjectat
above
as
cultivation.
LycoPODirMs.
The
British
Lycopodiums are scarcely
for the simple reason
that the best
worth
cultivating,
have
endeavours
invariably failed. They are not
without
with
a
beauty; indeed, when we meet
large
patch of L. clavatum, forming a green mat two or three
of heath, we
tract
on
a
are
yards over
compelled to
admire,
to
that
can
scarcelyfail to
be
the
tempted by the wish
of perfectionin our
plantto a similar state
tinct
disgardens. So, again,L. annotinum, the most
of all ; and L. alpinum, a charming evergreen
tuft
be mistaken
for a savin, are well worthy of
may
grow
own
and
"
further
attempts
that I have
at
their domestication.
tried them
L. inundatum, which
I have
aU
and
had
no
I must
fess
con-
failed with all except
trouble
with,
for it
it,
freelywith me in the simple way I manage
of the soil from
which is to bring home
with me
some
the bog I find the plant growing in, and having potted
it in this,I keep the pot always standing in a pan
of
grows
water.
last.
Plenty of
fresh air it must
have,
or
it will not
134
L.
The
the
selago,
Garden.
Fern
Fir-club
is
noble
species,
quite
common
on
tracts, a plant of great
stony mountain
interest too on account
of its medicinal
properties. la
the open fernery,
probably,air our British specieswould
thrive if taken up in large masses
and plantedin fully
in soil specially
exposedpositions
preparedto resemble
that of their original
sites. With them should be associated
American
an
species,L. lucidulum, which
closelyresembles our L. selago,but is of a shining
This thrives in peat soil in the
dark-green colour.
open ferneryif favoured with shade and moisture.
Selaginellas.
so
lovely
Amongst these occur
many
forms
of vegetation,that we
can
safelysay for the
the largerthe collection the
guidance of the cultivator,
better.
The
delicate cushion-like growth of S. apoda,
is
scarcelyto be equalledby any of the true mosses,
unique for beauty. It will suggest to the reader of
of the home
lifeof the matchless
Milton the description
pair in the happy garden
moss,
a
"
"
"
Of grassy
And
The
metallic
mossy
blue
turf their table
seats
had
was,
round."
of S.
Icevigata
(S. caesium)is positively
and will
marvellous, yet the plant is common
in any moist
close spot, scarcelyneeding
warm
grow
warmth
or
daylight,though growing the better for
a
little of both.
In S. rubricaulis
of the red coral and
mosa
of
we
have
a
beauty which
In practice
we
the emerald
charming
no
semblance
we
have
combined
to
a
the colours
;
in S.
for-
fern,yet a kind
fern possesses.
find them
all
adaptableto
cool houses
Fern
and
unheated
warmth
cases,
but
essential^and
is
135
Allies,
to
grow
they
them
in
all be
may
perfection
treated
as
there is a suitable place
plants,and wherever
for them, so surelyought this class of plants to be
for they are
stronglyrepresented,
quiteat home, and
thrive where it would
be next
to impossibleto keep any
if it could
other plantin a healthygrowing state, even
would
be persuaded to drag out an
existence, which
be at all likely
not
to compliment the cultivator for the
skill and trouble
hances
expended upon it. It greatly enstove
the
the
of the
attractions
fern
house
to
distribute
large specimen plants,where
they can have the advantage of the shade from them,
puttingthem, of course, so as they can be readilyseen,
bushel.
for it is no use
to put a light under
a
They
also well suited to stand amongst
are
strong-growing
fronds
of
of
the
ferns, for the spreading nature
the ferns prevents
the pots being set close to each
stand
dwarfto
other, thus
giving ample room
and a
growing plants,which require similar treatment
deeper intensityof shade than the ferns. They will,
selaginellasamongst
however,
if there
them
Mv
in
reason
well in
grow
are
no
a
house
other
it,providedthat
with
a
suitable temperature
plantsof
any
house
is
the
but
description
properlyshaded.
for susffestino;the suitabilitv of these
plants
the
others of larger size is this
growing between
is generallyof limited extent, so that every inch
stove
of space is required to be made
available for growing
something or other, and there is always space between
largespecimen plants,although their fronds may meet
overhead, suitable for growing dwarf plantslike these.
for
"
The
136
Garden.
Fern
leavingthe other space, which has the advantage
of the full light,
available for growing other subjects.
of growing fine specimens is in pans,
The best mode
do not require
for they are
shallow rootingplants,and
a great depth of soil.
By adoptingpans we are enabled
to give them
a much
largerspace to spread over than
of eighteeninches
would
in pots. Pans
be practicable
thus
in diameter
are
a
growing kinds, whilst
growth a smaller size
have
about
inch
an
convenient
very
moss-like
for the
is far
of
size
sorts
drainage crocks
fine,a layer of rough peat, and then
strongdwarf
of
pans
should
broken
rather
The
better.
for
must
be filled up
consistingof peat, loam, leaf-mould,
be pressed
and
silver sand, equal parts. This should
firm,a layer of sand put over it,and the cuttingslaid
The
and pegged down.
on
cuttingsshould be good-
with
a
sized
pieces.
compost
soil,which
is better than
attended
the pans.
than
they are
lot
a
young
can
l(jevigata
to the pan
be
when
set in
they are
a
about, and bear
no
healthyplants. The metallic
kept in good trim by cuttingit
it becomes
littlefine soil and
it,and
if
perly
pro-
take root and
cover
they will soon
best to keep them
renewed
in this way
of old plants; for when
they are old
bad, and get broken
to
a
the tops, and
to,
It is
keep
ofi" at the base, close to the
I take them
warm
a
bad
sand, or
sand
corner,
it will
colour, and
alone
soon
parison
com-
lined
down
if it has
sprinkledover
recover.
kept in deep shade this charming plantsoon
its exquisite
colour.
Kinds
have in"equifolia
and viticulosa for
which
diff'erentmethod
of treatment
type requirea slightly
less
Unloses
their
in
Allies.
Fern
their
137
layingthe pieceson
top of the soil,the old plant should be taken out
the pan,
divided into small
pieces,and dibbed a
propagation.
inches
Instead
of
apart in fresh soil,in pans
nine
about
the
of
few
in
inches
the pans be shifted into
they cover
largersizes accordingto their requirements; they are
slower growing than the others, and do not make
large
plants so quickly. Any time of the year will do for
is the best; for during
the propagation,but autumn
the winter the cuttingsget rooted if kept warm
enough,
of spring grow
and with
the return
freelyand soon
diameter, and
as
tufts.
handsome
make
moss-like
growth,
All
form
and
the
which
kinds
rootlets
their stems,
on
of
are
are
rocky surfaces in the fern house.
adapted to cover
Just sprinklea little sand or peat on the rock or brick,
this prepared surface press
few piecesof
and
a
upon
denticulata, apoda, densa, obtusa, and others of like
habit, give a sprinkle dailywith the syringe,and they
will soon
take
hold and
charming
spread and form
little carpets of the most
delicate vegetation. Specimen
plants in pans will need frequent syringingwhen
but as the damp days of autumn
growing vigorously,
approach,syringingmust be practisedless,and during
winter
must
there
As
all the
be discontinued
are
few
cultivators
selection
a
Selaginellas,
beautiful
who
of the
can
most
find
for
room
distinct and
will be useful.
Greenhouse
and
altogether.
tree-like.
Selaginellas.
S.
"
S.
formosa, green, tree-like,massive.
S.
slender, tree-like, red-stemmed.
microphylla,
green,
S.
blue, prostrate, wiry.
uncinata,
stolonifera,
green
S.
apoda,
green,
138
The
moss-like,one
known,
of the best.
of
one
the
hardy;
one
like
miniature
"
a
of the
Resurrection
useful.
makes
S.
stove.
S. denticulata,green,
most
tipped varietywhich
or
Garden.
Fern
There
beautiful
is
Willdenoviygreen,
best.
cedar
S.
white-
a
tufts
in
house
green-
fern-like,very
dark
lepidophylla,
This
tree.
is the
plant.^* S, ohtusa,
well
green,
American
moss-like,
green,
beautiful.
Stove
Selaginellas.
tree-like.
S.
/S.
"
rubricaulis,
red-stemmed,
blue, a splendidclimbing plant,
laevigata,
well
to
S.
delicate little gem.
adapted for the fern case or
jamaicensisjphosphorescent,a
Pepper-worts.
as
the
it not
many
These
plantsare
train
as
climber.
a
known
in
botany
Marsileacece ; they are
for the most
nificant
part insigand would
have no
placein this chapter were
for the peculiarmerit of one
of the family which
fern-growerswould like to possess. This is the
Marsilea
"
macropus,
the Nardoo
plant of
Australian
plorers,
ex-
the
the last resource
as
plantmentioned
against
starvation in the tragicstory of the Burke
and
Wills
exploringexpedition. This speciesmay easilybe taken
at first sightfor a large-leaved
oxalis,or trefoil,owing
divisions of its leaves.
to the peculiar
It may be grown
with
the
greatest
in
ease
constantlyplunged in one
M.
native
a
quadrifolia,
but
species,
it has
no
a
or
of
pot of spongy
inches
two
Germany,
story to
peat kept
depth of
is also
recommend
water.
pretty
a
it like
the
other.
Horsetails
troublesome
history,met
or
weed,
with
Equisetums.
"
There
of very elegantstructure
in undrained
clay and
is
rather
a
and
curious
loamy
soils ;
140
The
Fern
EQTTTSETUM
Garden,
STLVATICUM.
Fern
of
Paradise,the
green,
no
pages,
be
141
tender
colour the most
apology will
it in these
to
Allies.
needed
for it is,in
for
shade
of emerald
callingattention
fact,one
of the
most
plantsfor the fern garden.
Equisetum sylvaticumis a British plant,very scarce
districts. When
but plentiful
enough in some
generally,
beside a water-course
with it is usuallyin a peaty soil,
met
beside a ditch overhung
in a shady wood, or on a bank
with trees and rank herbage ; always in a moist, shady
desirable
of
lightsoil of similar
nature.
My best plants in pots are kept under a
the
stage, and have all the drip that results from
wateringof plants above them, besides the water given
spot, and
them
in
if not
the
in
usual
peat,
way,
in
some
and
their
appearance
is
so
the
enter
they so fascinate me that I never
delightful,
where
house
they are kept without having a peep at
them.
satiates,
They are to me a feast which never
become
tired of flowers,especially
though I sometimes
for weeks
after I have
constantlybeen visitinggreat
bedding effects.
gardens,and comparing and criticising
have it also plantedout in the shadiest and dampest
We
also in a
part of a rockery, in a cool fernery,and
It increases
shady part of the fernery out-of-doors.
fast,and may, if desirable,be parted annuallyin spring
it begins to grow ; but to make
when
a fine specimen
it should not be parted,but be shifted to a largerand
largerpot every year, and this should
the plantis
breaking the ball when
even
the crocks
Another
is of
more
should
be done
without
shifted ; no,
not
be removed.
grand speciesis Equisetum ielmateia,which
the last, with
habit than
robust
regular
Fern
The
142
whorls
of
Garden.
those of
differ from
branches,which
sylvaticum,
that they do not branch
again. This grows on dry
in the
especially
sandy banks, and is tolerablycommon,
southern
finelyin the
parts of England. It grows
rockery if planted in a shady spot, and though found
found it sucI have never
wild in very dry positions,
ceed
unless assisted with
except in a damp position,
frequentwatering. Sandy peat is the best soil for it.
beautiful speciesis E. umbrosum.
Another
and most
This
is very
branches
are
distinct
kind
in very
it looks
imitation
therefore
the
another
a
ends.
same
when
most
exquisitelybeautiful
considered
slender
be
of
impossibleto
its beauty.
under
cultivation
ful
beauti-
more
branches
of
hair, but
human
This
must
divide
ramifications
hair-like
if constructed
as
that would
only in
and
into
subdivide
indeed,
if
all rise at
of
of cultivation.
plant. By many this will be
than
sylvaticum,for the
manner
they
whorls
gracefullyarch over at their
shady places,and requiresthe
Equisetum palustreis
and
The
rare.
very
crowded, and
rather
regular angle,and
This grows
and
in
;
a
fingerseven
in bogs,
grows
have a damp
ol water.
positionand plent}in
which
I have also plants of E. fluviatile,
grows
water
plant; E. Mackaii,
hyemale, also a water
; E.
which
will
which
loves moisture, and E. varieffatum,
grow
well under
almost
any
circumstances.
But
these
beauty. They are like rushes, tall,
without
branches, very pretty in a certain sense
rigid,
in their construction,but are
likelyto interest only
"uch as are devoted to the study of these plants.
four
have
no
Fern
Mosses.
Allies.
143
with
Though we
rarely meet
specialobjects of cultivation^a large number
beautiful
most
in
"
house
be
and
frame
with
grown
fernery,and
outdoor
an
cool
may
a
few
culture.
are
sure
managed mosses
and add very
spontaneously,,
rockery by the tone of age
to
but
TVhere
appear
much
of
as
the
little
well
are
these
difficulty
adapted for
ferns
well
are
them
amongst
the
beauty of the
and
ripenessthey give it.
In the
Floral World
of February, 1869, the writer
of this gave his experienceat length upon
this subject.
Those
who are
interested in it may
particularly
peruse
the article with advantage.
In collecting
for cultivation,they should
be
mosses
'
'
taken
with
to
a
thin slice of whatever
they
may
be growing
Thus
adhering to the roots.
obtained,they
will grow
But
freely,and spread in all directions.
when
they are rudely torn from pieces of rock, the
roots
are
sequence,
injured,and the specimens suffer in conAll the
frequentlyresultingin their death.
all
mosses
at
require a liberal supply of moisture
in full health.
A
to keep them
better proof
seasons,
upon
of
the
truth
of this
assertion
is
not
wanted
than
to
rally
pointto the vigorousway in which they all grow natuand Deof November
cember.
season
during the humid
To
keep them in first-rate condition, they
should have a liberal sprinklingoverhead
three times a
and at other times twice will
day through the summer,
be sufficient,
is particularly
unless the weather
dry and
There need be little fear of their receiving
too
warm.
much.
In
the
winter
moisture,
there
in addition
will
to the
be
sufficient
spheric
atmo-
rains,to keep
them
144
The
damp
In
ceptionally dry.
of
be
conducted
immense
bears
is found
in
those
should
have
notice
of
The
like
conditions
cultivator
in
up
time
this
or
The
will
way
little
find
great
very
undermentioned
By
found,
are
be
may
taking
the
to
a
formed
subject.
information
service
soil
ordinary
about
of
species
have
and
well
the
picked
him,
capillare, B. argenteum,
Doniana,
G.
Hypnum
denticulatum,
H.
canescens,
Weissia
Dicranum
G.
H.
splendens,
all the
merit
pomiformis,
B.
leucophoea,
Schreberi,
and
great
all
are
at
some
particularly
of
thriving
artificiallyconstructed
an
upon
fontana,
Bartramia
Tortula,
bit
every
substances,
they
nothing
or
it
other.
beautiful,
"
of
which
that
stone
on
them.
to
they require
treatment
know
who
allotted
should
which
grow
and
pools
under
in
those
to
damp
will
position
a
that
secured
positions
of the
those
by
in
the
idea
good
growing
overhead
circumstances
Those
unex-
planting
species gets
state.
be
The
be
to
sprinkle
a
the
should
happen
them.
to
each
natural
a
whilst
case
affinity to
brickwork
or
that
so
Garden,
should
that
benefit
close
a
it
unless
enough,
be
Fern
Bryum
alpinum,
Leskea
sericea,
the
Polytrichums,
B.
H.
lucens^
purwn,
H.
Racomitrium
principal species
and
:
Grimmia
Hookeria
cupressiforme,
contraversa,
rockery
squarrosum,
pulvinata,
commonly
un-
Mniums.
of
INDEX.