THE FERN PARADISE. 



nisb abundant scope for the development of the 

 larger species of Ferns : deep cuttings may be 

 made, whose sides may afford a semi- subterranean 

 hiding-place for the smaller species. Artificial 

 rockery can be made in every direction. Foun- 

 tains may be introduced in order more readily to 

 supply the peculiar conditions of moisture, without 

 which some of the graceful plants will not live or 

 thrive. In. the same way the soil necessary for 

 the successful culture of the plants can be supplied; 

 and the aspect can be chosen with a due regard to 

 the requirements of Nature. To the rich, expense 

 would be no object, and it would be lavished in 

 the exercise of a worthy taste. 



But it is important to remember costly acces- 

 sories to Fern culture, as we have shown, are not 

 necessary. The Author would wish to see his 

 ideal universally established. The most splendid 

 elaboration which art could suggest, would be over- 

 shadowed by the gracefulness which Ferns embody. 

 Hence, the simplest and least expensive materials 

 are all that need be employed to produce the most 

 beautiful effects. The humblest householder can 

 find no difficulty in obtaining these materials. 



410 



