Part I. 



THE ROCK-GARDEN FERNERY. 



25 



the ferns of their moisture. The space was filled up with earth, 

 compounded of good loam, peat, and leaf-mould, in equal pro- 

 portions, with about one-fifth of good rotten manure added 

 thereto ; these ingredients were thoroughly mixed and well 

 trodden in, and then the ferns were planted. In forming this 

 bed, provision was made for the escape of the surplus water, by 

 introducing into the front wall, at about four inches from the 

 bottom, a common three-inch drain-pipe, which communicated 



Fig. 25. — Entrance to cave fur Killarney fern in rock-garden. 



with a small tank, about three feet square, sunk into the chalk, 

 so that all waste water became absorbed. This method proved 

 to be eminently successful, the plants far surpassing in size any 

 I have ever seen under artificial cultivation, and, judging from 

 report, rivalling their growth in their natural habitats. Last 

 season I could boast of Osjttunda regalis with fronds at least 

 eight feet in length, Osmunda spectabilis four feet and a half, 

 Osmunda Claytoniana five feet, Osmunda cinnamomea three 

 feet, and the beautiful Osmunda regalis, var. cristata, three feet 



