FERNERIES. 387 



peat mixed with coarse sand and pieces of broken pots. The Sheppey 

 sand, although in our immediate district, is too fine for this purpose, 

 and we employ that which comes from the Lower Green-sand at Reigate, 

 or which maj^ be obtained at Sandy in Bedfordshire, and which belongs 

 to an epoch of the earth's history antecedent to the formation of the 

 chalk hills (see Geology). Probably feldspar grit from the cross courses 

 of Devonshire would be even preferable, as this material contains potash 

 in union with silex. I have never ventured directly to give potash 

 or any earthy salts to our ferns. Though potash is contained in the 

 ashes of ferns, the exact proportion in each species is not known. 



My indoor fernery, although so simply constructed, is really 

 a lovely spot, and most of those who enter it for the first time are 

 startled at the general effect. The red tiles of the paths, and the 

 red passion-flowers, contrast with the green foliage on either side, 

 and ferns which I have carried to my garden in my pocket have 

 now grown so large that we sit under their shade as though they 

 were trees. 



In this fernery nearly every rafter has a climbing plant, and one 

 or another of these is in blossom during the entire year. No Ovidian 

 idea of eternal spring can surpass the reality of this my fern-house. 

 Even when the country outside is arrayed with new leaves and covered 

 with flowers, this house would be pronounced beautiful ; but when the 

 perfection of this eternal spring contrasts with the snow outside and with 

 the dull chills of wintry blasts, the transition from winter to summer, on 

 passing the threshold of this fernery, is most bewildering and enchanting. 

 What horticulturist, therefore, would ever be without a fernery .? In 

 former years I have had every English fern growing at Finsbury 

 Circus, in the centre of London ; therefore it must not be imagined 

 that it is necessary to go into the country for the purpose of having an 

 indoor fernery with all its concomitant graceful forms. 



In indoor ferneries it is necessary to have at all times a moister 

 atmosphere than that which exists in orchard-houses or greenhouses. 

 I never grow ferns without open tanks of water, and troughs are placed 

 on the hot-water pipes. In my fernery I have also a miniature river 



C C 2 



