ON FERNS. 



As a general rule, with the exception of comparatively few 

 kinds which prefer exposed and airy situations, we find that 

 in their native habitats the majority of Ferns are found forming 

 a sort of undergrowth in woods and forests, clinging to the sides 

 of rocks, or again growing by the sides of brooks or rivers, but 

 usually under trees, which shelter them from the violence of 

 strong winds, and also protect them from the action of the 

 strong rays of the sun. The influence of this protecting 

 agency is such that when the same kinds are found growing 

 accidentally in positions exposed to the direct action of the 

 elements, they hardly appear to be the same plants. It is 

 evident, therefore, that whether Ferns are grown in pots or in 

 the open ground, these natural conditions should, as far as 

 possible, be imitated. 



According to the requirements, or to the taste of the grower, 

 most, if not all. Ferns, hardy or exotic, may be grown with equal 

 success either in pots or when planted out ; but, whenever con- 

 venient, the latter way is by far the more satisfactory, inasmuch 

 as it gives a much greater scope for effect. Moreover, when 

 once put in the places which they are intended to occupy. Ferns 

 require a great deal less attention than when grown in pots. 



Hardy Fernery. — As Mr. J. Birkenhead, in his excellent 

 popular work, " Ferns and Fern Culture," judiciously remarks, 

 " Hardy Ferns are easy to manage — in fact, there are no other 

 plants so easy of culture, and certainly none which present so 

 large a variety of graceful habit and curious forms." It may 

 not be out of place to remark here that there are many places 

 in gardens where flowering plants cannot live, and these are well 

 adapted for the cultivation of Ferns, which convert uninteresting 

 spots into a source of pleasure. Whenever practicable, the hardy 

 fernery should be situated in a naturally moist and cool spot, 

 and, strong light being in most cases objectionable, the 

 neighbourhood of tall, deciduous trees should have preference 

 ■over all other places, as in this case the plants would be little 

 exposed to the sun, and protected from strong winds. A 

 position with a north aspect is the one most suitable, the plants 

 having then a maximum of light without being spoilt by the 

 sun. The hardy fernery should be constructed of stone, in 

 the form of rockwork, either on the level ground or as a 

 ravine, excavated to a greater or less depth. In whatever 

 form the fernery is arranged, drainage is of the utmost import- 

 ance, and should be provided for the ready escape of surplus 

 moisture. It should be borne in mind that, in the formation of 

 the outdoor fernery, it is most essential to study the require- 

 ments and comfort of the plants in preference to showing the 

 building of the rockwork, and to provide against the disastrous 

 effects of the high winds, which are injurious to all Ferns. 

 Besides the friendly shelter of neighbouring trees, as stated 



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