CULTURE. 29 
cataracts dashing its spray around ; there losing itself 
in cavernous- recesses ; now spreading out in a glassy 
pool ; anon meandering among the bases of the rocks, and by 
evaporation yielding the moisture so essential to the well- 
being of the ferns. A few ivy-covered pollard-stumps, 
and some pathways winding to the most important points, 
complete the arrangements necessary to a tolerably com- 
plete hardy fernery, in the disposition of which it is obvious 
there is ample scope for the display, of taste, or to follow 
the dictates of fancy. Any such scenery, however, covered 
by a glass-roof would form an admirable fernery, in which 
many species from temperate climates, might be associated 
with the natives of our own country. Such a covering of 
glass, while it facilitates the cultivation of the more delicate 
species, adds much even to the beauty and gracefulness 
of the more hardy and free-growing kinds, and renders 
the charms of all much more enduring than is possible 
if they are exposed to the vicissitudes of our clime. 
Some of the hardy ferns might be used with advantage 
in beds in the flower-garden as relief plants, iii situations 
not too much exposed to wind and drought. Thus, 
a bed having the centre filled with strong roots of Lastxea 
Filix-mas, or Polystichum angulare, or Laslrea dilutata, 
and the outer portion occupied by high-coloured dwarf 
flowering plants, would present a highly effective contrast. 
So, entire beds of ferns here and there, presenting in them- 
selves the elements of contrast, would have a good effect : 
for example, Lastrca Filix-mas, surrounded by L. 
fcenisecii, and this again by Scolopendrium vulgare 
crispum. Any of these would succeed in a tolerably 
sheltered situation, and would even flourish if the Boil 
could be kept damp. Of course if any degree of shade could 
be secured, that would be beneficial to the ferns ; even if 
only in a degree which would do little injury to flowering 
plants. 
