FERNS, AND THEIR MANAGEMENT. 
89 
observed in the noble collection of Messrs. Loddiges that, where Ferns have of 
themselves sprung up about the Orchidaceae, and mingled their leaves with the 
ipparently torpid pseudo-bulbs, a far superior group has been occasioned. 
! To place a few r elegant Ferns, then, in the basket or the pot with those 
Orchidaceous plants that are defective in point of leaves, will tend materially to 
heighten the appearance of both ; and Ferns from tropical countries will be quite 
'it home in an Orchidaceous house, where they will have just the sort of treatment 
•nost congenial to them. We need hardly hint that the size of the Ferns should bear 
some proportion to the usual dimensions of the plant with which they are associated. 
Finally, Ferns are exceedingly suitable for adorning any description of rustic 
vork, made with rugged, curious, or half-decayed lumps of wood, or stumps taken 
rom the base of the trunks of trees, including the thicker part of the roots. Such 
naterials are often substituted for rock in giving variety to the sides of little 
lells or hollows in pleasure-grounds, or in hiding any bank or wall, or diversifying 
ts surface. And Ferns, besides being the class of plants that nature seems to 
lemand for such a situation, would succeed particularly well there, if they had a 
ittle shade. 
When, however, stoves are intended to hold a miscellaneous collection of 
)rchidacem, Gloxinias, and all those plants that are not of a woody texture, it is an 
xcellent plan to fill up the central compartment with rustic masses of wood, placed 
astefully, and plant the specimens among or upon these. And then Ferns may be 
nserted liberally, with advantage and effect ; for what suits Orchidaceae, Gloxinias, 
*c., will also suit them, and they will yield a very sufficient share of ornament. 
In respect to the culture of Ferns, it is comprised in three or four leading 
particulars. The first of these is shade. Give a fern a shaded position, and it will 
'-ssume at once that fascinating light green hue which is the chief characteristic of 
lie race, and which is hardly ever attained in bright sunshine. Shade is conse- 
quently indispensable to perfection ; and it is essential even to the healthy 
(reservation of many species. It should be obtained either by putting the plants 
vhere trees, or buildings, or some other objects, supply it permanently, or by 
browing canvass, or some similar substance, over the roof of the house in which 
he plants may be growing, during sunny weather. 
A tolerably moist atmosphere is the next requisite. And this is almost a 
iecessary attendant of shade. Throughout the spring and summer, while the 
eaves are being developed, Ferns delight in a moderate moisture ; and those grown 
ja houses ought to be well watered and duly syringed. The vapour which arises 
rom any body of water, especially in a stove, is likewise beneficial. The beauty 
f those wild specimens that happen to grow on a shady bank, along the bottom 
f which a stream flows, is a correct indication of the preference of the plants for 
moist atmosphere. 
Where shade and moisture exist, there must of necessity be comparative 
aolness ; so that it is not needful to observe that Ferns appear to like a somewhat 
VOL. XI. NO. CXXIV. N 
