THE GARDEN LIBRARY The Gift of Beatrix Farrand to the General Library University of California, Berkeley REEF POINT GARDENS LIBRARY FERNS I EJ ^ *5J « CX FERNS AND HOW TO GROW THEM BY G. A. WOOLSON ILLUSTRATED NEW YORK Doubleday, Page & Company 1910 Copyright, 1905, by Doubleday, Page & Company Published, November, 1905 All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign language*, including the Scandinavian. Add to LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE? LANDSCAPE ARCH. LIBRARY PREFACE THIS contribution to fern literature is designed simply as a practical work for the benefit of the amateur fern culturist. The most satisfactory way of gaining an acquaintance is to study the subjects at first hand. But we cannot always live in the woods, so a fraction thereof must live with us, that we may watch the ferns "budding, with each stem and leaf wrapped small" and con- tinue our observations until, and after, "their spreading forms unfurl." As the aim of this book is cultural, no special key to the genera has been prepared. Such a key would be out of place, involving more science than the nature of the book permits. Technical terms have been eliminated as far as practicable; where it is not possible to omit them explanatory remarks follow. v 384 VI PREFACE The system of nomenclature used is uni- form with that adopted in the "Cyclopedia of American Horticulture," with these ex- ceptions— Filix replaces Cystopteris, and Os- munda spectabilis is used for our native royal fern instead of O. re galls as the dis- tinctiveness of the American species is now accepted. But for the convenience of the more conservative school of fern lovers (to which the author belongs) a synonymous list of the names of ferns best adapted for special cultural uses is given. A multiplicity of English synonyms has purposely been avoided, as many of them are local, un- important, and often perplexing. The larger part of our native ferns which have special cultural value are illustrated by original photographs, the work of Miss M. T. Randall, Miss M. E. Manley, Mrs. H. A. Hall, Rev. G. W. Perry and Dr. H. H. Swift. PITTSFORD, VERMONT, 1905. CONTENTS PAGE CHAPTER Preface ...... v I. The Life of a Fern ..... 3 II. Where Hardy Ferns Can Be Grown . .11 III. Ferns in the Mixed Border ... 25 IV. Rockwork for Ferns .... 47 V. Hardy Ferns for Indoor Culture, and How to Select Them 67 VI. Ferns in the Living Room During Winter . 81 VII. Fern Rockeries Indoors .... 93 VIII. Fern Culture Under Bell Glasses and in the Wardian Case 107 IX. Exotic Ferns Without a Greenhouse . .121 X. JEnal Fern Culture . . . 135 XL Ferns for Special Purposes . . . 139 Index to Contents and Synonymy . . 153 vii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PLATE I. Ferns in a Mixed Border . Frontispiece FACING PAGE II. Youth and Age in the Cinnamon Fern . 4 III. Two Valuable Garden Ferns . . 7 IV. The Fruits of the Ferns ... 8 V. Fronds of the Oak and Beech Ferns . 13 VI. Contrasting Types of Fern Foliage . 16 VII. (a) The Maidenhair at Home— (b) The Wall-Rue on a Rocky Ledge . . 21 VIII. A Regal Beauty 22 IX. A Treasure of the New England Woods . 29 X. The Shield Ferns as Pot Plants . . 32 XI. The Most Variable of All Ferns . . 39 XII. The Oak and the Beech Ferns . . 41 XIII. The Christmas Fern .... 43 XIV. Nothing Better for a Stony Bank . 50 XV. The Purple Cliff Brake at Home . 52 XVI. The Ebony Spleenwort .... 54 XVII. A Trio of Spleenworts .... 57 XVIII. The Narrow-leaved Spleenwort . . 58 XIX. A Fern for Sun or Shade ... 67 XX. The Most Graceful and Delicate of Our Common Ferns .... 68 XXI. The Walking Fern .... 73 ix X LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PLATE FACING PAGE XXII. A Fern Rockery 75 XXIII. Indoor Rockeries .... 82 XXIV. Making an Indoor Rockery . . 84 XXV. An Ideal Fern for Indoor Culture . 93 XXVI. The Boston Fern . . - 95 XXVII. Two Popular Exotic House Ferns . 98 XXVIII. Three Ferns for Special Purposes . 100 XXIX. The Harmony of the Plant and Its Re- ceptacle . . . . 113 XXX. An Ideal Fern Case . . . .116 XXXI. The Fern Case in Use ... 125 XXXII. A Fantastic Fancy . . . .136 The Life of a Fern " Pokin' round 'mid ferns and mosses, Like a hop-toad or a snail, Somehow seems to lighten crosses Where my heart would elsewise fail." FERNS CHAPTER I THE LIFE OF A FERN To ADMIRE a fern for its beauty is one thing; to understand its life is another. To this end one must be on the alert, for the spring awakening of the ferns is highly inter- esting. In scientific parlance all true ferns must be "circinate in vernation"; that is, they must come from the ground rolled up like a watch spring. A grotesque lot they are, their stiff stalks pushing the woolly heads into the air with all the pertness of youth. Only an expert can recognize old friends in this guise. Technically speaking, the stalk of a fern consists of the "stipe" and the "rachis." The former corresponds with the leaf stem or petiole of a flowering plant, while its con- 3 4 FERNS tinuation through the leafy portion of a divided frond is the rachis or midrib if the lamina (or leafy portion) is entire. This part, of course, is not ready for inspection until the segments (or pinnae) begin to unroll, hence specific peculiarity of stipe is the surest test in this early stage, although no two species are coloured or "done up" just alike. We have a group of cinnamon ferns (Os- munda cinnamomea) before us, the wool of which fairly drips from their uncanny heads like water after a bath, looking very much as if they "needed a maternal tongue to lick them into shape." The sun and the winds kiss them, the scales part, and a miracle is per- formed! The stately Osmunda cinnamomea is a regal exchange for the wooly head. The rapidity of development varies greatly in different species. Ferns of fragile texture quickly unfurl their sails, while those of heavier build are comparatively slow in as- suming shape. The spring colouring is particularly beau- Osmunda cinnamomea. The pertness of youth Osmunda cinnamomea. The perfect development of the stately cinnamon fern PLATE II.— YOUTH AND AGE IN THE CINNAMON FERN THE LIFE OF A FERN 5 tiful. The greenest of all green things grow- ing are the freshly developed fronds of the oak fern (Pbegopteris Dryopteris). A fine foil to this in point of colour is the maidenhair (Adiantum pedatuni), with its soft pink stalks deepening through shades of red, maturing in ebony. With the sunlight in its crown of pale pendant pinnae, we have indeed the fairy of the fern creation. The economic value of "fern wool" or "fern cotton" is duly appreciated by the birds. Certain of the smaller kinds, such as creepers, warblers and humming birds, are on the alert for this exquisitely soft product to use in felting their nests. The dividing line between phenogamous, or flowering, plants and cryptogamous, or flowerless, plants is one of the simplest princi- ples of plant life, nevertheless this is the rock upon which the casual observer wrecks his botanical skiff. The "brown stuff" on the back of the frond or on the stiff, dark spikes of the onocleas is often attributed to some sort of disease, whereas it is Nature's method O FERNS for perpetuating the species. In place of true seeds there are substituted tiny spores, contained in capsules, technically called "sporangia," which grow out of the veins of the leafy portion of the fronds. The so- called "fruit dot" thus formed is termed a sorus. It is this feature which so readily distinguishes the ferns from true leaves. The classification of ferns depends largely upon the position and variation of the sori on the under sides of the full-grown fronds. Another point of importance in classification, although of less intrinsic value to the plant, is the "indusium," the thin, membranous body, more or less persistent and of various forms, which covers the sorus. Thus the genus dryopteris is characterised by round dots and shield-shaped indusia, the exact form of the latter depending largely upon its point of attachment. The asplenium family, on the contrary, has oblong or linear fruit dots with straight or, rarely, curved indusium fixed lengthwise to the upper side of the fertile vein. Nature assuredly does Dryopteris cristata x marginalis. A new and valuable acquisition for cultural use Dryopteris marginalis. The most valuable of all the wood ferns for garden cultivation is the evergreen marginal shield fern PLATE III.— TWO VALUABLE GARDEN FERNS THE LIFE OF A FERN ^ not serve all alike. The sturdy polypody has no cover for its spores. A fern spore does not directly produce a fern but a small flat and thin circular or kidney-shaped body, green in colour, called the prothallus, which is attached to the soil by delicate rootlets. On this the separate reproductive organs analogous to the stamens and pistils of the ordinary flower are pro- duced. The individual fern is not dependent on spores alone for its perpetuation. Perennial rootstocks are the rule, not the exception, among ferns, and only hardy species make open preparation and practical arrangement for their own demise and renewal each year. Plate 3 is a typical specimen of a species which adds much lasting beauty to our highways and byways, coming into greater prominence when deciduous foliage has dropped away. Look down into the heart of the plant and you will see that the nine stipes are holding the fronds for the coming year — all tightly rolled and packed by unseen hands. The 8 FERNS marginal shield fern (Dryopteris marginalis) is undisturbed by early winter storms, but, burdened with snow to the tips, the fronds settle close to earth, retaining their freshness and colour, but never relaxing their protecting clasp until life stirs in the springtime. When fresh young fronds unfurl their sails the tale of an evergreen fern is told. I S 8, £,*. c ° • ' -*^ » - •f I 8. - Where Hardy Ferns Can Be Grown CHAPTER II WHERE HARDY FERNS CAN BE GROWN " It is the wild garden alone which leads us into the clouds." — Gibson. The growing desire in the human mind for something straight from the heart of Nature has brought the wild garden to our doors. Hence the fern border, with its refreshing, lingering loveliness, rivals the gaily painted garden with its transient beauty. THE IDEAL CONDITIONS Happy indeed is the fern culturist whose domain includes a ledge or a pile of rocks, a shaded bank, a bit of swamp and a brook, with consequent irregularity of surface, where he may successfully simulate Nature. These ideal conditions, however, are for 12 FERNS the favoured few. The majority of fern lovers who would be continually reminded of woodland dells which they cannot reach have only the ordinary town lot or city back yard for displaying the souvenirs of tramps abroad. Pleasing results are easily obtained under seemingly adverse conditions, and it is worth while to learn by experience how to make the most of given surroundings. FERNS AROUND THE HOUSE Many of our native species are so cosmo- politan in matters of location and soil that whoever wills may grow ferns; even the owner of limited grounds may have a fern border, for the narrow strip of ground between the foundation walls of a house and the channel worn by the drip from the overhanging eaves is an ideal location, available for nothing else, but replete with conditions which ferns enjoy, e. g., a cool, damp atmosphere and good drainage. Given an eastern exposure and partial shade, the majority of our native ferns flourish WHERE HARDY FERNS CAN BE GROWN 13 under cultivation with as much grace (and with but a trifle less luxuriance) as though Nature herself had selected the environment. But it must not be inferred that the growth of ferns is regulated by the points of the compass. An eastern exposure is preferable, because partial shade is a condition in native haunts and easily simulated in a situation where extremes of sun and shade are practi- cally out of reach. Ferns grow with tolerable grace on the north side of a house, and may be induced to do something worth while on the west, but a southern exposure is rarely successful. SOILS AND THEIR MAKING The close association in Nature of tree and fern offers a practical suggestion which the owners of old stumps and trees do well to note. The fortunate possessor of an old tree, with abutting bark-covered roots trailing over the ground, has an artistic setting. The botanist looks at the soil and tells you 14 FERNS what ferns should be at home, and, although a natural preference is manifested, ferns possess greater adaptability than almost any other plants. Most of our common ferns will flourish in any decent soil, provided it be light and porous. Where the ground seems especially poor and hard, as it often does under trees which have absorbed the greater part of virtue and moisture for years, the top soil should be removed and replaced with something better. European growers recommend a compost of equal parts of rough peat, loam, leaf mould and coarse sand for the majority, with added loam for vigor- ous growing kinds, sandy peat for the most delicate, and a sprinkling of old mortar for limestone-loving ferns. Leaf mould pure and simple in my experi- ence is the ideal soil for nearly all save the latter class. The economical culturist learns to save all bits of waste moss and small instal- ments of wood's earth for the fern bed; thus in time, with little trouble, a feast of fat things may be obtained for epicurean species. WHERE HARDY FERNS CAN BE GROWN 15 There was absolutely no special prepara- tion of the soil, or even a formal cutting away of the sod for the luxuriant border, sections of which are shown in the illustrations (Frontis. and Plate 6). The luxuriance of this display is by no means due to careful planting, but to the fact that the soil happened to be good and other conditions right. Properly pre- pared beds where the environment is not as favourable are often less luxuriant. MOVING AND ESTABLISHING MATURE SPECI- MENS The successful establishment of mature specimens in the home grounds depends largely upon intelligent transplanting, which necessitates a knowledge of the various forms of root growth. Fern culture is one thing and fern digging quite another, as the inexperienced find to their surprise and sorrow if an attempt to uproot a monarch of the swamp be made without the proper imple- ments. It is worth while to sacrifice speci- l6 FERNS mens from available genera in order to learn how to uproot others without disturbing the growth by loosening the soil about the plants. For instance, the root growths of the osmun- das are a dense mass of wiry, fibrous matter apparently anchored to all creation; the interrupted fern (Osmunda Claytomana) is especially trying, for the thickened rootstock, massive, with imbricated base stalks, clings so tenaciously to the earth that the amateur collector will gravely assure you on his second trip that "the proper kit for the business consists of a spade, an axe and a cross-cut saw." However, the game is really worth the candle, for once taken up and carefully reset these ferns readily establish themselves, even in a different soil, and require no further attention. The most regal member of the fern family, the ostrich fern (Matteuccia Struthtopteris), is less difficult to transplant because the short, thickened caudex is firmly anchored to the earth by slender stolons, all heavily fringed with delicate rootlets. A circle should K I It O J C/3 ~Q o J«£. I1.S 2: ^ o '~ " « 2 .a 61 § I .,,.; WHERE HARDY FERNS CAN BE GROWN IJ be cut several inches from the crown with a knife or a sharp spade; this severs the stolons but does not materially disturb the plant if it is then carefully lifted. On the other hand, Goldie's fern (Dryopteris Goldieand), one of the finest of New England ferns — often growing to a height of four feet, with hand- some fronds a foot broad — is easily uprooted by the hand alone. The spinulose shield ferns (Dryopteris spinulosa) give themselves up in like manner. Ferns which spring from an underground branching rootstock that sends up but one frond in a place, such as the sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), the hay-scented fern (Dennstcedtia punctilobula) and maidenhair (Adiantum pedatum), are quite likely to be disturbed unless a section of turf is carefully cut and lifted. This form of root growth never runs deep, hence a sharp, flat trowel is in most cases equal to the occasion. Many of the dainty cliff dwellers have tenacious and far-reaching roots, therefore require great care to be of cultural service. l8 FERNS Fortunately, many of them, like the purple cliff brake (Pell&a atropurpurea), are abo found growing on disintegrating limestone ledges, loose sections of which can often be pulled away, laying bare the thread of life reaching for hidden springs within. The common polopody (Poly podium vul- gare) is an exception to this mode, as the entire mass of growth is anchored by tiny rootlets to the surface of rocks only. Sec- tions for transplanting should be cut, not pulled, from the beautiful mat which Nature flings down here and there. FAILURES DUE TO EXCESSIVE ZEAL The majority of unsuccessful attempts to make ferns live even after they have been properly uprooted are due to over-zealous efforts rather than careless planting. Nature has different standards for different genera, and we have but to observe how far above the surface she carries the crowns of her ferns or buries her rootstocks beneath. A WHERE HARDY FERNS CAN BE GROWN 19 common fault of the amateur culturist is to plant too deep and so cause the crown to rot. Of the two extremes it is better to "dig a hole and stick them in," for slipshod planting will at least insure admission of air to the roots, a necessity indicated by the porosity of the various soils in which ferns naturally grow. The soil should never be packed hard about ferns, unless temporarily so about large specimens, which need to be held in position until the roots have time to gain a foothold. TRANSPLANT TO SIMILAR EXPOSURES Another frequent cause of failure lies in selecting for a sunny location on the lawn plants which have grown in deep woods. Many species have so wide a range that individual plants may usually be found growing naturally in the same degree of sun or shade to which they are to be subjected in cultivation. 2O FERNS If the culturist will observe Nature always, and follow her lead, gross mistakes like that of planting a rock fern in damp leaf mould will be avoided. Nature may have "method in her madness," oftentimes hidden beneath charming con- fusion, for the aim of true art is to conceal itself; therefore the goddess who rules the woods flings her "lacework" about in an apparently reckless manner. Had we the earth to choose from, assuredly no set rules could be given for the selection and arrange- ment of ferns for the border or other situa- tions. However, a few hints from experience may be of service. THE DESTRUCTIVE FERN COLLECTOR Collectors of ferns may be classed under three heads: scientific, commercial and cul- tural. To be able to add new facts to a known science is the aim of all biologists. Anatomical peculiarities can onlv be demon- strated by the investigation of many speci- THE WALL-RUE ON A ROCKY LEDGE The little wall-rue is easily naturalised in the rockery THE MAIDENHAIR AT HOME A shallow spreading rooted species PLATE VII. WHERE HARDY FERNS CAN BE GROWN 21 mens regardless of life and beauty thus sacri- ficed ; hence extinction of species often follow over-zealous efforts. The commercial collector sees only possible dollars and cents in each rare plant he happens to find. Granted that the collection and sale of living plants or herba- rium specimens is lawful, there is no excuse for exterminating rare finds for greed of gain. Not long ago a successful collector of this class told me of the rare luck he had in find- ing a dozen or more plants of a choice variety not then noted in the state in which it grew, and indeed only two other stations were on record. This man dug up over half the plants before discretion overtook him, and he left a few roots but carried off all the fronds. The ruthless annihilation of so much natural beauty, simply because herba- rium specimens brought a few cents more in the market if a little fringe of rootlets adhered to the lifeless fronds, is deplorable. The culturist is more likely to have a keen appreciation of the real beauty of the ferns and wild flowers than collectors of either of 22 FERNS the other classes. He wishes to make them grow where they can be studied and enjoyed with less trouble than in their native haunts. Cultural experience not only teaches the value of the individual plant but discreet selection, for only certain forms and stages of growth will fit into the various places which he wishes to fill; these he learns to tell at a glance without reckless waste of raw material. But the gospel of moderation is everywhere in order, for vandals are in our midst under every guise. There is no end to the wanton destruction of plant life by persons having no real interest in Nature, but who ruthlessly pull up that which attracts the eye for the moment and as quickly throw it aside. Granted that none of us own the wild things growing, and that nobody can "stake a claim," yet the smallest soul among us should feel conscience-stricken for spoiling, even for a laudable purpose, gems of art which Nature has taken years to perfect. Ferns in the Mixed Border CHAPTER III FERNS IN THE MIXED BORDER IT is always well to emphasise marked situations by tall-growing species. Osmunda Claytoniana, which is well shown on the right of Plate i, plays an important part in the decoration of country roads and byways, but rarely shows to better advantage than in the fern border. The botanists quote the height at three feet, which, however, is often doubled in damp woodlands; four feet is the limit of the plant photographed. There is no period in the existence of this fern when it is not attractive, but it is especially so as it is unfolding in the spring. The stipe pushes up through the dead leaves, the fern wool drops away, and a symphony in green is literally unrolled before our eyes — the fertile section of an exquisite olive shade, pale green 25 26 FERNS below and silvery green above, the colour deepens as full development is attained and the "brown stuff" in the midst of a luxuriant frond testifies to the unique method Nature employs for the propagation of the species, and gives rise to the common name of interrupted fern. This fern is second only to the ostrich fern (Matteuccia Strutbiopteris) in stately grace and its superior beauty of colour and veining. The most artistic effects are produced by associating contrasting species. In the sec- ond group illustrated the blue-green fronds of Goldie's shield fern (Dryopteris Goldieana) are largely in evidence. A few delicately cut fronds of the American royal fern (Osmunda spectabilis) serve as an excellent foil.* The bladder fern (Filix bulb if era) relieves the vivid green of the oak fern (Pbegopterts Dryopteris), which carpets the space between the groups. [* The best authorities now agree that the American and European osmundas are not identical. The name of 0. re gaits is retained for the latter, our plant taking the name of 0. spectabilis, which, as a matter of fact, was given to it a hundred years ago by Wildenow. The fronds of the European species as they arise from the ground are much stronger and bolder looking than those of the native plant. — EDITOR.] FERNS IN THE MIXED BORDER 27 There is to my mind no happier combina- tion in the mixed fern border than that of the ostrich and maidenhair ferns (Plate 6). It is impossible to find more strongly contrast- ing species. As an embodiment of grace and dignity Matteuccia S truth iopter is has no peer. Perfection of growth is reached only in swampy lowlands, the rich alluvial soil producing a grand vase-like circle of foliage often higher than a man's head; fine specimens are often found skirting dry woodlands or following the wall in an upland pasture. Thus by nature cosmopolitan, it takes kindly to the situation indicated. The fertile fronds are like nothing else under the sun. Curious stiff brown spikes appear within the ver- dant circle, a most unfernlike product, which claims the honour of naming the species, as botanists long ago discovered the plume-like arrangement of its divisions. The sterile fronds might share the honour, for if any- thing in Nature resembles a plume it is the sterile frond of an ostrich fern in June before the tips of the segments have lost their curl. 28 FERNS Adiantum pedatum, growing so luxuriantly, enhances by contrast the dignity of the stately guardians overhead. The maiden- hair is always beautiful in sun or shade, accepting whatever soil is offered, and, if taken up as directed, grows on with little interruption. The chief beauty of this fern is architec- tural. The two branches of the stalk diverge at an angle of perhaps 50°, rise obliquely, gracefully recurving until they meet again. From the outside of the curve each branch sends out from two to seven diverging branch- lets of varying length. Thus the whole frond is from five or six to fifteen or even eighteen inches broad, and, while somewhat funnel shaped in the centre, radiates horizontally toward the circumference, and is the most graceful thing in the fern creation (Plate 7). Another advantage in associating these two ferns in the border is that the texture of the maidenhair, although delicately membranous, is very elastic, and, therefore, holds its fresh- ness much longer than the ostrich fern, which FERNS IN THE MIXED BORDER 2Q is often faded by midsummer. General shabbiness is evaded by breaking away the taller fronds and depending upon the maiden- hair for continued beauty throughout the latter part of the season. Even the visita- tions of Jack Frost, which sadly humiliate more imposing genera, are received with comparative indifference because of this very elasticity. THE COSMOPOLITAN FLOWERING FERN The royal fern (Osmund a spfctabilis) is in- dispensable. The simple elegance of the species manifests itself in vernation, a period when many ferns are a trifle uncanny. No other fern is more deftly "done up," clothed with softer wool, or coloured so exquisitely as this. Ferns in general are but symphonies in green, but here a prelude in Quaker drab runs softly into the green, which complements its colour scheme by a shading in and out of rosy fawn deepening into golden brown. 30 FERNS The man who considers a fern "a thing with a backbone and side members like a feather," is apt to be skeptical when assured that this "bush" is but a fern after all. Nature has a special arrangement for the fructification of each member of the genus, but the fruited panicle which crowns Osmunda spectabilis is the most graceful of all, and a plausible excuse for the misleading name of "royal flowering fern," which has been borrowed from its European prototype O. regal is. The amateur will have no difficulty in naturalising it. Although a native of swamps and river banks, it grows also on uplands, where it loses some grace and gains rigidity enough to look "bushy." But it is always beautiful, often growing to a height of four or five feet in cultivation. AN INTRACTABLE BUT HANDSOME SPECIES The sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is another fern valuable for lasting freshness FERNS IN THE MIXED BORDER 3! and contrasting foliage. It is unmanageable in cultivation, as the underground rootstocks branch freely in all directions, sending up fronds without the delay of growing a caudex. Colour and veining are fine, indeed the chief beauty of the fern is its elaborate reticulation over the smooth green surface. The fronds vary from six inches to three feet in height. In a mixed border they are a marked feature and are excellent for an independent corner. THE SHIELD FERN FAMILY The marginal shield fern (Dryopteris mar- gtnalis) is the most valuable of all the wood ferns. Graceful outline, blue-green colour and rich texture characterise the species. It readily adapts itself to whatever situation is offered, and there is never a period of shab- biness until the round year is full and new life stirs within the old. It is easily recog- nized by the spores borne along the margin of the frond (see Plate 4). A new and valuable acquisition for cultural 32 FERNS use is Mr. Dodge's hybrid (Dryopteris cristata X marginalis). It has the rich colour and texture of the marginal shield fern but is more erect in habit, resembling in this res- pect its other parent. The simple elegance of Boott's shield fern (Dryopteris Boottii) attracts attention in any collection. It is really one of the finest cul- turable ferns. Unlike Dryopteris cristata, var. Clintomana,v?ith which it is often associated in wooded swamps, it retains its dignity of pose outside its natural environment. The spinulose shield fern (Dryopteris spinu- losa) and its varieties are among the most beautiful of our ferns. They are indispen- sable indeed, for the fern garden depends upon them for its most effective lacework. The broad spreading variety (D. spinulosa, var. dilatatd) is especially handsome. A TALL FERN FOR SHADED SPOTS In shaded situations where tall species with simply pinnate fronds are not common, FERNS IN THE MIXED BORDER 33 a charming effect is produced by the narrow- leaved spleenwort (Asplenium angusti folium), the rarest of the tall spleenworts. There is nothing in the fern kingdom which looks so cool and refreshing on a hot day as a mass of this clear-cut, delicately made-up fern. Although rarely growing in such profusion as in the natural habitat, it is cultivable and makes a pretty addition to the wild garden. An exposed situation is not advisable, as the fonds are of so thin a texture that they are easily broken by summer storms or victim- ised by the earliest frosts. There seems to be an affinity between this species and the strongly contrasting Goldie's fern (Dryop- teris Goldieana). When we find one we are very likely to find the other close at hand. THE AGGRESSIVE LADY FERN The lady fern (Asplenium FiUx-fcemind) is usually in evidence in any collection, often a chance comer. It is persistent and aggres- .sive, often crowding out more delicate species. 34 FERNS Some forms of this most variable of all known ferns are very beautiful, but as a whole they do not merit the praise hitherto given. The Christmas fern (Polystichum acros- ticboides) is too well known to need comment. Its mission is to cheer the winter months and enhance the beauty of other ferns by contrast. Of the lesser growths which fill out the mixed border, a limited quantity of the blad- der fern (Filix bulb if era) gives a light and dainty touch. The oak fern (Pbegoptens Dryopteris) develops early and is the greenest of all green things in Nature. The other two members of the genus are late in appearing, and consequently are valuable for freshening up the border when other species have passed their prime. The broad beech fern (Phegop- ter'is hexagonopterd) is very beautiful but often grows too tall to be considered a footnote. Pbegopteris polypodioides, sometimes called the long beech fern, is more common. It has good colour, and a distinct individuality of pose which attracts attention; the leaf spread FERNS IN THE MIXED BORDER 35 is nearly horizontal and the lower pair of pinnae are turned sharply down, which gives a sort of apologetic air unusual among ferns. FLORAL ACCOMPANIMENTS OF FERNS It is a deplorable fact that lack of a sense of the fitness of things cheapens the decora- tions of a good many lawns and gardens. It is the worst possible taste to associate our native ferns with the ordinary bedding plants. In the first place, it spoils the purpose of the wild garden, literally keeping one's thoughts at home when they long for the restfulness of a journey to Nature. In the second place, one or the other is out of harmony with the surroundings. There is a certain incon- gruity, unobserved by the majority perhaps, but keenly felt by those in tune with Nature. It is true that some rather pretty effects have been produced in some of our public gardens by thoughtful selection. Double daisies and forget-me-nots lose none of their 36 FERNS beauty if partially veiled by the maidenhair (Adiantum.) But it is a profanation of Nature to force ferns to live in the midst of gorgeous geraniums or other cultivated plants blazing with colour. Where Nature has the selection of the floral accompaniments of ferns, her touch will be light and delicate. Wild flowers are the only permissible adjuncts of the fern border, whether as invited guests or as chance comers. Beauty of design is often greater than that of colour, hence variety of foliage is often desirable. Orchids of any kind are especially fitting. A trillium here and there, or even a Jack-in-the-pulpit, may preach the gospel of good effect by contrast. Solomon's-seal droops gracefully beneath the interrupted fern (Osmunda Claytoniana), (see Plate i), and is nearly as interesting in its unfolding and development. The ever present herb Robert spreads itself to the left of the oak fern, and Cltntonia borealis carpets the space at the right. This wildling is not as well known as it should FERNS IN THE MIXED BORDER 37 be. There is an aristocratic exclusiveness about it which does not appeal to those who wish for something gayer than the graceful umbel of greenish-yellow bells ; however, with its orchid-like foliage, it is highly decorative indoors or out. The wild strawberry gives an ideal finish to our June picture. A mass of the foam flower (Tiarella cordifolia) is especially pleasing. Once established, it takes the situation in hand and the ferns literally rise out of the spray of bloom in self- defence. But the daintiest conception which Nature has dropped among the ferns is the bishop's-cap (Mitella diphylla). This ex- quisite bit of floral conservatism is in perfect harmony with the "feathery fern, whether it groweth wild and free" or as a willing captive. MASSING SEPARATE SPECIES For the amateur gardener with only a limited area there is undeniably more varied beauty and greater interest in a mixed border; 38 FERNS but from a landscape gardener's point of view more striking effects are produced by massing one or perhaps two species. A row of well-developed ostrich ferns in front of a broad veranda or following the foundation walls of a stately mansion is truly imposing. More permanent beauty is insured if the maidenhair is associated with it. The situ- ation, however, must be taken into consider- ation, for accessories that are befitting to a cottage are not of necessity in harmony with pretentious architecture. A practical idea is suggested by Mr. New- man's story of the impression which fine specimens of the royal fern (Osmunda regalis)y fringing the river between the Lakes of Kil- larney, made upon Sir Walter Scott. Scarcely a word had the novelist uttered in praise of the scenery, but at this point he stopped the rowers and exclaimed, "This is worth coming to see." Few of us are fortunate enough to possess a river to fringe, but fine specimens are also seen on the uplands, which is con- clusive evidence that the flowering fern, si II O a- S