8 
7 HE BOOK OF 
ROCKERIES, FRAMES, &c. 
THE natural habitats of most Ferns being broken, sloping, 
and more or less rocky ground, or the chinks and crevices in 
rocks, stone dykes, and old walls, it is as well, so far as may be 
possible, to imitate these conditions under culture, and to instal 
each species as nearly as may be in similar situations to those it 
occupies in a wild state. As these are indicated in each case 
hereafter in connection with the species, we need not specify 
them here, but merely point out the principles which should 
guide us in constructing rockeries, &c., for their accommodation. 
With few exceptions, despite their need of water, Ferns grow 
in situations which are so far drained that no stagnancy occurs, 
and this must be borne in mind. To start a rockery, therefore, 
the soil of the site, if of a clayey nature, should be thoroughly- 
opened up, and a liberal supply of old brick rubbish piled thereon 
as a foundation. Upon this a heap of leaf-mould and garden soil, 
about half and h .1 If, can be placed until the mound is nearly a 
foot higher than is required to admit of subsequent settlement, 
with a slope to the north or north-east, and, if possible, under 
the shelter of a wall facing north or trees on the south side 
sufficiently far away to prevent their roots monopolising the 
rockery. The mound being in shape, we may now proceed to 
face it with rude lumps of rock, the more porous the better, 
or, in default of rocks, with masses of shapeless brick 
waste, known as burrs, knocking all square corners off with a 
hammer if the bricks be too much in evidence. In arranging these 
lumps, begin at the borders of the mound, digging out a station 
for each with a trowel, and seeing that it beds itself firmly on its 
own centre of gravity, otherwise a frosty spell or even the 
settlement of the moun.l will lead to unwelcome disturbance after 
the Ferns are inserted. Use most of the largest burrs or rocks 
for the corner portions, and carefully avoid any formal arrange- 
ment As we proceed upwards we must leave space for the 
Ferns to be planted in, and arrange some of the remaining large 
pieces irregularly about to form somewhat overhanging shelters 
for such species as the Holly Fern and Parsley Fern, which much 
like to grow out of stations so protected. The rockery completed 
as regards construction, give it a thorough drenching, and let it 
settle down for a day or two. Then when the soil has become 
workable — i.e., not sticky with wet — plant the Ferns carefully in 
the space left for them, digging out a spacious hole and spreading 
toeir roots close to or even under the burrs, which may be raised 
up for the purpose; the roots when outspread can have a trowelful 
