CULTURE IN A FERNERY. 169 



or low hedge, on the north side ; the others require a free 

 exposure to the sun; but the pots should always be plunged, 

 to protect the roots from the burning rays of the sun. They 

 should be repotted every year, in the spring, and be supplied 

 with water as they require it. The size of the pots must be in 

 proportion to the size of the plants. The Osmunda regalis, 

 for instance, will require, when a good size, pots from 10 to 

 12 inches in diameter; whilst the small species, such as 

 Allosorus crispus, will seldom need a pot more than 6 inches 

 wide, even for the largest specimens. 



In the situation we have mentioned these hardy Ferns may 

 remain all the year ; but where there is that convenience we 

 would recommend them to be removed into a cold pit or 

 frame. In woods they are sheltered by the fallen leaves or 

 low shrubs ; and the removing them into a winter shelter is 

 a similar protection to them from the severe winter's frosts 

 and heavy snows or rains. 



CULTURE IN A FERNERY. 



A situation for a fernery should be chosen in a retired 

 spot, and should be formed by throwing up a mound of earth, 

 and facing it on both sides with rocks and roots of trees ; or 

 two banks of earth, faced similarly, and facing each other, 

 with a walk between, would answer admirably. One bank 

 should face the north, and the other the south. On the side 

 facing the north, near the base, the moisture-loving species 

 should be planted, and higher up on the bank such as love 

 shade. On the opposite bank plant towards the base all that 

 grow on hedgebanks; and towards the top such species as 

 inhabit mountainous rocks, old walls, &c. By these judicious 

 arrangements nearly the whole hardy species may be grown 

 successfully in a comparatively-speaking small space of ground. 

 Suitable soils for each species must be put in for them. The 

 dead fronds should be allowed to remain through winter to 

 protect the roots from the frost. In the spring cut them all 



