JFernerg. 263 



shade of non-surface-rooting trees and in low, 

 moist positions, a very large number of hardy 

 native species may be successfully grown. Not 

 a few of the species, even those which naturally 

 occur in shade, will do well in open places, 

 though, except some of the sun-loving kinds, 

 few will attain that luxuriance and delicacy of 

 color they possess in shade or partial shade. 



A shady and sheltered position will, there- 

 fore, be chosen for the hardy fernery ; for shelter 

 from winds is no less important than protection 

 from the direct rays of the sun. This position 

 should be readily accessible to a fine dust-spray 

 attached to the hose. Ferns are generally found 

 in moist situations, thriving in a humid atmos- 

 phere ; and these conditions must be followed as 

 nearly as possible. But while ferns and moist- 

 ure are almost synonymous, constant watering 

 is, nevertheless, to be avoided. It is only when 

 the soil is becoming dry, before the dryness is 

 felt and shown by the sensitive fronds, that water- 

 ing is necessary. The foliage of ferns does not 

 like constant drenchings, pelting rains frequently 

 being as injurious as severe winds. But the 

 effects of wind are more severely felt where the 

 plants do not receive their necessary supply of 

 moisture, the stems becoming more brittle if the 

 roots are not moist and cool. Watering the 



