142 SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENS 
make a covering, to help the soil retain moisture, and 
later they produce the leaf mold that serves as food. 
As garden plants, ferns are proper occupants for 
wooded spots, rockeries, the north side of buildings, or 
for places that are too shady for flowers but would be 
improved by some fine foliage. Wherever ferns are 
planted, partial shade is necessary; there must also be 
a good supply of moisture in the soil. 
All of the larger ferns will grow in good mellow, 
loamy soil, but the smaller kinds need a sandy loam or 
a sandy peat. Where the soil is inclined to be clayey. 
good peat must be supplied before a fine growth of ferns 
can be obtained, 
