THE FERNERY. 



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THE First Napoleon said that the drum 

 was the only instrument which was- 

 never out of tune. In like manner it 

 may be said that Ferns are the only plants- 

 which are never out of season. 



The fernery, whether under cover or 

 out of doors, is usually the favourite spot 

 in the flower garden or pleasure grounds. 

 To retire from the full glare of noon and 

 the dazzling beauty of the flower garden,. 

 into the cool retirement of the fernery r 

 situated as it should be in some secluded 

 spot, affords a most refreshing change to 

 both body and mind. The beautiful forms 

 and varied shades of green which the fern tribe present, 

 render them objects of perpetual beauty. To correspond 

 both with the requirements of ferns generally, and that 

 situation which the mind associates with these denizens of 

 shade and rock, the fernery should occupy some quiet and 

 shady, and if possible, romantic retreat. When the ground 

 presents none of these features they may to some extent be 

 created by mounds of earth and excavations with roots of 

 trees, rocks, and old bricks and slags tastefully arranged. 

 Shade and moisture must however be provided by planting 

 trees, such as cupressus macrocarpa on the outside, or a 

 few weeping willows and a profusion of tree ferns ; with 



