ON FERNS. 



533 



selection, a very good collection of Ferns may be gathered 

 together and thrive admirably under these conditions ; and, 

 besides the species and varieties already enumerated in the lists 

 of the hardy outdoor fernery, such a place may be planted with 

 most evergreen kinds native of Japan, Australia, and New 

 Zealand ; and in it such British species as Adiantum Capillus- 

 Veneris and varie- 

 ties, Asplenium 

 marinum, A. lan- 

 ceolatum, and a 

 few others which 

 seldom give satis- 

 faction in the 

 open air may be 

 grown with perfect 

 success. Such a 

 house, devoted 

 exclusively to cool 

 Ferns, may be 

 seen at the es- 

 tablishment of 

 Messrs. J. Veitch 

 and Sons, at 

 Chelsea. It is 

 about 36ft. long 

 by 20ft. wide, and, 

 although of com- 

 paratively small 

 dimensions, and 

 built for more 

 than twenty - five 

 years, it is still 

 considered one 

 of the prettiest 

 ferneries now in 

 existence. The 

 rockery, if such 

 term may be em- 

 ployed, is built 

 entirely of brick- 

 burrs, although 

 sandstone, tufa, 



or limestone may be used with advantage for the same 

 purpose, and have a lighter appearance ; and the comfort of 

 the plants, being considered of primary importance, receives 

 special attention. The Ferns are disposed in a natural way 

 among the rocks, and on the sloping sides, where they enjoy a 

 considerable amount of light, and on some little mounds^ of 



Fig. 337. — Lygodium scandens. 



