Fill the pots with good heavy loam, water freely, and apply a coating
of charcoal, coarse sand, and sphragnum moss, rubbed through a fine
sieve. Damp the surface, sow the spores thinly, and cover with glass.
Keep the soil moist by standing the pots for a time each day up to
their rim in water. No surface water should be given. Stand the pots
in a warm, light place in the greenhouse, but keep them shaded from
the sun. When the surface is covered with growth, prick out into pans
or boxes, using a rich, light soil. When they are large enough pot
them off singly in thumb-pots, re-potting as soon as these are filled
with roots.
Ferraria.--See "Tigridia."
Ferula (Giant Fennel).--Strong-growing, hardy, herbaceous plants.
F. Gigantea has bright, glistening foliage, changing to a brilliant
orange, and attains a height of 8 ft or 10 ft. F. Tingitana is very
stately and graceful, growing 4 ft. high. They are easily raised
from seed, will grow in any garden soil, and flower in August and
September.
Festuca.--An annual ornamental grass, which is grown best on a loamy
soil. Sow the seed in March, and keep moist till it germinates.
Height, 1 ft.
Feverfew.--This hardy perennial will grow in any soil and ripen its
seed freely. Young plants, obtained by sowing the seed early in
spring, are very useful for edgings; when planted alternately with, or
in proximity to, Lobelia a pretty effect is produced.
Ficaria Grandiflora.--A hardy perennial which thrives well when
planted under the shade of trees. It is increased by separating the
tubers in autumn, and produces its flowers in May. Height, 6 in.
Ficus Elastica (India-rubber Plant).--This thrives well in any
light, rich soil, or in loam and peat. Keep it moderately moist
throughout the winter, using tepid water. In summer any of the
artificial manures may be used. Sponge the leaves once a week to free
them from dust, and keep the plant well sheltered from draughts.
Cuttings with uninjured leaves will root in autumn in sand with a
bottom-heat of 65 or 75 degrees; or the cuttings may be taken in
spring, stem-rooting the slips. It flowers in May, and sometimes
attains the height of 20 ft.
Fig Palm.--See "Aralia."
Figs.--Though in some parts of our country Figs are cropped on
standards, as a rule they require to be trained on a wall having a
southern exposure. The soil should be a fairly good loam mixed with
old mortar and crushed bones, but no manure is needed. The end of
March or the beginning of April is the most favourable time for
planting. The trees should be firmly set, and the surface of the soil
kept moist until they are established. Manure may be given--preferably
in a liquid state--when heavy crops of fruit are being borne. Old and