62 Ferns and Fern Culture. 
soil be excavated to the depth of 2ft., some good compost 
being put{in. A miniature rockery may be built with 
elevations, depressions, pockets, niches, and cosy corners 
for rare and beautiful little species, 
Sandstone, limestone, or tufa may be used for the 
rockwork. The frame should have a northern aspect, 
the stone being built up inside to hide the walls, and to 
give the whole of the central part as diversified an 
arrangement as can be secured in the space. 
This will form a perfect treasure-house to the Fern 
lover, for here, with the greatest ease, may be cultivated 
many dwarf kinds of various genera, which are more 
liable to be lost when fully exposed to the elements. 
A frame should be occupied only by the smaller 
species—the larger and stronger would be out of place. 
Built in the manner described, facing the north, abun- 
dance of light would be secured without the scorching 
rays of the sun. The frame should have a good elevation 
at the back, to give the glass at least an angle of. 45°. 
Being sunk in the ground, the temperature would be 
equable during both summer and winter. In the former 
the heat would have little effect, and during the winter 
it would be largely secure from the frost. If planted in 
good compost the roots would revel in the cool moist 
position among the stones, and the foliage, being 
hardened by a gentle and continued circulation of air 
overhead, provided by tilting the lights more or less 
according to the weather, would be more beautiful than 
even in their native rocks. 
By carrying out this arrangement of rockwork in an 
unheated house an additional benefit may be obtained, 
as then the cultivator can walk about, and being under 
cover may enjoy the pleasure attending the cultivation 
of his plants, whatever the weather outside may be. 
Being on a larger scale, larger species may be accommo- 
dated and greater variety obtained also. 
The cultivation of Ferns under these conditions is as 
simple as it possibly could be. Once planted the only 
attention necessary for a long time would be the giving 
of water and the ventilation, while the results would be 
highly gratifying. 
