14 
THE FERNS OF SOUTH AFRICA 
moist cool atmosphere surrounding them. Such conditions 
are most easily reproduced if one has a bush-clad stream 
passing through his property, but even a bare donga can in 
a year or two be made into an excellent fernery by planting 
trees in and around it, especially if it has a stream. But as 
these conditions often do not exist, an equally successful 
fernery may be fitted up under almost any other condition. 
A verandah facing east or south may with trellis or screens 
be converted into an excellent substitute, or a shady corner 
under a tree or trees, if it can be protected from wind, as it 
usually can by erecting rockery, answers the purpose well. 
Frost must be excluded, hot winds must be excluded, and 
bright sunshine should be tempered by branches or artificially; 
if these conditions are complied with, and moisture is main- 
tained, most forest ferns will succeed. This is the largest class, 
and consequently requires most room, but in the absence of a 
satisfactory tree for cover, a bamboo shade-house or a Bank- 
sian Rose covering answers the purpose well. Drip is to be 
avoided if possible, and the soil should never be saturated. 
3. Forest Stream Ferns . — These require conditions almost 
identical with the above, but in addition should have a stream 
flowing among their roots. Stagnant water is objectionable, 
and soon causes bad health, but flowing water suits all forest 
ferns, together with moist atmosphere and protection from 
wind and cold. Most forest ferns will stand sunshine, espe- 
cially if somewhat diffused by foliage, provided sufficient 
moisture exists in the atmosphere. When in pots these 
ferns require abundant drainage and to have the pots placed 
in saucers of water frequently refilled. 
4. Mountain Ferns . — These naturally have cool moist 
habitats, usually with a south aspect, and often they grow 
in spots which keep naturally moist without being wet, such 
as steep slopes, or deep holes or dongas. Although they 
stand the sunshine prevalent in these cool habitats, they are 
somewhat tender under the hot winds they have to face in 
cultivation, and with such kinds protection against wind, and 
a slight amount of shade, is an advantage. Most of them are 
