Galles (single
blue) are the best varieties. Plants may be purchased of most large
florists or from seedsmen.

FERNS

Many of the decorative ferns may also be grown to perfection in the
small house, at a moderate temperature, fifty to sixty degrees, the
nearer sixty the better. The Boston fern (_Nephrolepis exaltata
Bostoniensis_) and its improved form, _Scottii_, are two of the best for
house use, and if grown in the greenhouse until of good size and form,
they will make unusual and very acceptable holiday or birthday gifts. A
few small plants obtained from the florist and kept where they do not
get a direct glare of light, watered frequently enough so that the soil
is always moist (but never "sopping"), and plenty of fresh air in bright
weather, will rapidly make fine plants. If you happen to have a few old
plants on hand, they may be increased readily by division. Separate the
old crowns into a few small plants. Don't make them very small or they
will not renew as readily. Keep them, if possible, a little above sixty
degrees, with plenty of moisture. Loam and sand, to which is added about
the same amount of leaf-mould, will make a proper soil.

Asparagus ferns will also respond to about the same care, though
thriving in an even lower temperature. _Asparagus plumosus nanus_, the
Lace fern, is especially delicate and graceful and makes an ideal small
table plant to use with flowers.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS

These are propagated by cuttings, which root very easily. I would
suggest, however, dipping them first in a wash of one part Aphine to
thirty-five parts water, and then rinsing in clear cold water, in order
to rid them entirely of any black aphis there may be present. Give them
a clean start, and it will be much easier to keep them clean, as they
must be kept to make good healthy plants.

If you have not already a stock on hand, I would suggest going to some
florist's in the chrysanthemum season and making a list of the varieties
which particularly please you. Later, say in February or March, you can
get cuttings of these, already rooted if you like, but it's more fun to
root them yourself.

Pot off in two-and-one-half-inch pots, and shift on as rapidly as the
roots develop. Use, after the first potting, a very rich soil, and give
plenty of water. Chrysanthemums are very gross feeders and the secret of
success with them lies in keeping them growing on from the beginning as
rapidly as possible, without a check.