264 2T|)e 



grass and the surroundings of the fernery in 

 the evening, when the ferns themselves do not 

 require watering, is appreciated by the plants, 

 this tending to preserve a humid atmosphere. 

 Watering a little every day or two merely keeps 

 the surface damp, and does not reach the roots, 

 or prevent the foliage from becoming dry. It is 

 far better to give a good supply of water occa- 

 sionally, as the plants require it ; an observation 

 that will apply equally to most other hardy 

 plants. Having chosen the position for the 

 fernery, the ground should be dug to the depth 

 of two feet, and filled in for the most part with 

 black muck, leaf-mold, and a small portion of 

 sandy loam. This gives a light, elastic soil, re- 

 tentive of moisture and suitable for most ferns. 

 The fernery is much benefited by a liberal top- 

 dressing of old leaf-mold every autumn ; and, 

 aside from the protection to some of the less 

 hardy species, a thick winter covering of leaves 

 and evergreen boughs is advisable, in order to 

 prevent the heaving of the ground by frost. 



The common ostrich-fern (Onoclea struthtop- 

 teris) is among the most robust and easily grown 

 of the genus, which numbers in the United 

 States some one hundred and sixty-one species, 

 fifty of which are indigenous to the State of New 

 York. On account of its strong growth and the 



