ther from England called the Glory fern (Glory of Moordrecht). I have
not seen it, but certainly from photographs and what the horticultural
journals have said of it, it will make a very fine fern for the winter
garden.

THE SPIDER FERNS

The name given _Pteris_ ferns is descriptive of only part of them, as
they vary greatly. They are commonly used in made up dishes, or with
other plants, but most of them will make fine single plants as well. _P.
Wilsoni_ is a popular sort making a compact plant with a unique tufted
foliage of light clear green. _P. cretica_ is dark green, or green lined
with white, according to the variety. _Victoriae_ is perhaps the best of
the several variegated Pteris'.

[Illustration: The Boston Fern is easily propagated at home by
division]

[Illustration: _Phoenix Roebellenii_ is one of the more recent and
best developments of the old favorite Fan Palms]

[Illustration: _Cocus Wedelliana_ is a small palm but one of the most
graceful of all]

OTHER FERNS

The Holly fern (_Cyrtomium falcatum_) is another very desirable house
plant and has been a favorite for years. It has very dark green
substantial glossy foliage, and stands up well. There is a new Holly
fern, however, which I think will replace _C. falcatum_; it is _C.
Rochfordianum_; its foliage is not only a richer deeper green, but the
pinnae, or leaflets, are deeply cut and also wavy, and have given it the
popular name of the Crested Holly fern. Be sure to try it among the next
ferns you get.

Fern balls, which are usually composed of one of the _Davallias_,
sometimes prove unsatisfactory. Be sure in ordering to get them fresh
from some reliable mail order house, rather than take chances on them at
the florist's. The best way, however, is to get them already started. If
you get them in dormant condition, soak in tepid water and then give a
temperature as near sixty degrees at night as possible until they start.

While not strictly members of the fern family, the asparagus used for
decorative purposes under the name of Asparagus Ferns, are commonly
classed with them. Since their introduction they have proved very
popular indeed.

_Asparagus plumosus nanus_, the Lace fern. No foliage is more beautiful
than the feathery light green sprays of this asparagus. Notwithstanding
its delicacy, it keeps wonderfully well when cut. The plants can be
grown as pot plants, or as vines. If wanted for the former purpose, keep
the sprays pinch