56 FERNS IN THEIR HOMES AND OURS. 



spot ; and at the other is an old peach-tree. Asso- 

 ciated with the ferns are Clintonia, several species 

 of violets, Hepatica triloba, and a splendid clump 

 of Cypripedium spectabile. Opposite the terrace, 

 across a gravelled walk, are more ferns, and a 

 number of native plants. Very little care is re- 

 quired to insure a thrifty growth. In fact, the 

 only necessary thing is to sprinkle the whole once 

 a day, in dry weather, from the hose attached to a 

 private hydrant near by. Were not the water- 

 supply so conveniently placed, any of the hand- 

 sprinklers would answer, even a watering-pot; 

 the only disadvantage of the latter being the labor 

 required to lift and use it. 



There is, of course, no limit to the expensive 

 and beautiful effects which the wealthy cultivator 

 may command. But this little book is not pub- 

 lished to furnish a guide to such extensive works 

 in horticulture as are indulged in across the water : 

 it would rather suggest the simpler and less costly 

 methods of cultivating ferns. Another thing 

 must be constantly borne in mind : our climate 

 in North America, especially in New England, 

 the Middle States, and westward, prevents our 

 applying to the out-door culture of ferns the 

 suggestions of many valuable English treatises, 

 which are of service only in the mild insular 

 climate of that favored country. Even the hardi- 

 est ferns require here more shade in summer, and 



