58 Ferns and Fern Culture. 
border or bed. A position with a north aspect is th 
one most suitable, so that the plants may have a maxi- 
mum of light without scorching sun. 
Ferns may be planted among shrubs, but it is better to 
have the border or bed entirely of Ferns, so that there 
may be nothing to interfere with the special charac- 
teristics of these plants. There should be a mixture of 
proper compost put into the border, to enable the Ferns 
to grow satisfactorily. 
The most pleasing kind of fernery is that constructed 
of stone. in the form of rockwork. It may be on the 
FERNERY ON LEVEL GROUND. 
level ground, with mounds of soil and stone built up like 
miniature hills, with intervening valleys ; or in the form 
of a glen, or ravine, excavated to a greater or less depth. 
In either case the paths should undulate, wind in and out, 
and should approach in appearance as near as possible a 
wild rocky pathway. 
An excavated fernery will present a better appearance 
than one on the level ground; the vegetation and its 
surroundings being below the eye from various points of 
observation will be seen to greater advantage. Still, a 
