Ferns and Fern Culture. 61 
Limestone is hard, and found in all sorts of curious 
shapes. By the action of water some pieces have holes 
through them, others channels washed in their surface, 
with numerous chinks, crevices, and inequalities of out- 
line. With this material a very ornamental rockery may 
be constructed, in which Ferns will grow luxuriantly and 
with pleasing effect. 
In commencing the construction, the paths should first 
be planned. From these the rockwork should rise in an 
irregular mass. Large pockets should be formed in com- 
munication with the bulk of the soil constituting the 
foundation of the fernery. 
The general outline should take the form of a series 
of terraces, rising tier above tier, receding farther and 
farther from the path. Blocks of stone here and there 
should be placed to give character to the construction, 
and to prevent the view being too extended from any 
one point. 
Every stone must be made perfectly secure, so that 
rain, frost, and other influences may not destroy or cause 
injury to the erection. 
When the building is complete, some good compost for 
the Ferns should be put into the pockets, in which to plant 
the Ferns. Sometimes tree roots are used, but they soon 
commence to decay, so they are not at all suitable for a 
fernery which is to be of a lasting character. 
ROCK-FERNERY WITH GLASS PROTECTION. 
There is a wonderful difference between the condition 
of Ferns growing in the open air and those cultivated in 
a frame or unheated greenhouse. When protected from 
the extremes of heat and cold, wet and drought, storms, 
boisterous winds, and other injurious influences, their 
foliage develops more perfectly, is of greater beauty, and 
lasts much longer in nice condition. Not only are there 
these advantages, but species such as Adiantum capillus 
veneris, Asplenium lanceolatum, A. marinum, and others, 
which rarely grow satisfactorily in the open air, may be 
successfully cultivated with the simple protection of a 
cold frame. When this form of fernery is being con- 
structed, the walls should go well into the ground, the 
