262 Ebt ffiarHen's Storjj. 



istic tropical effect to the garden, and, once es- 

 tablished, the hardy fernery may become one of 

 the finest ornaments about the home. It is, 

 however, seldom seen to good advantage under 

 cultivation, for the simple reason that it is gen- 

 erally left to take care of itself, a matter it is 

 never called upon to do in its native state, where 

 it is protected from wind, has its fronds moist- 

 ened by condensation, and is provided with con- 

 genial soil and coveted shade. The delicate 

 beauty of a fern-frond can not be obtained out- 

 side of its native habitat without in part repro- 

 ducing the natural conditions under which it 

 grows. Shade, shelter, moisture, and suitable 

 soil are its main requirements. Some species, of 

 course, occur naturally in sunshine and dry soil, 

 and these may be grown under like conditions. 

 The long period during which they retain the 

 freshness of their fronds is a notable feature of 

 the genus, while, whatever the season of the year, 

 some of the species are found perennially green. 

 Most hardy ferns are not difficult to cultivate, 

 many being very accommodating and growing 

 where little or nothing else would. Hot summers 

 do not affect them disastrously as is the case 

 with many plants, providing sufficient water be 

 supplied at such times. 



On the north side of the house, beneath the 



