26 NATIVE FLOWERS OF VICTORIA. 
pruning, a watering will be helpful in inducing the 
buds to break into a good and healthy growth. These 
remarks refer to almost aU classes of plants, includ- 
ing Acacias, Eucalypts, Grevilleas, Prostantheras, 
Callistemons, Myoporums, and others. Where such 
plants are grown as a hedge, they may be accorded 
the usual trimming and cutting given to hedges at 
the usual time, observing the rule that the best time 
for cutting back is after the blossom period. 
In fern growing the main necessities are shelter 
from winds and severe sun, and a good supply of 
water. In the fern-houses a fair amount of light 
should be allowed; a good fem-house would be com- 
pletely boarded up to three or four feet from the 
ground, and then latticed to the top, latticing also the 
roof. The roof must neither be too open nor too 
high. If glass and lattice are used in combination, 
the glass should always be on the roof. A good 
fernery may be built of unpainted bamboo blinds. 
The soil should occasionally be stirred and aU fallen 
leaves and foliage removed. Dead fronds should 
always be cut from the ferns. These, as well as 
leaves and rubbish on the ground, are a great harbour 
for slugs and snails which are exceedingly fond of 
the soft succulent young fronds. The ordinary tree- 
fern, Dicksonia antarctica, should not be grown out 
in the sun. If a tree-fern for open garden condi- 
tions is required, Alsophila Australis is the best one. 
In growing ferns in pots, boxes or tubs, the same 
conditions of shelter and moisture should be observed ; 
they should be well protected. A fern corner in the 
garden is always attractive, and provided with shelter 
