FERNS AND FERNERIES. 121 
Fern-clad rock, the prospect is very beautiful. One very striking thing is the perfectly natural 
appearance presented by the luxuriant growth of the various Ferns, Selaginellas, and other plants ; 
Adiantums, large and small-leaved, growing in masses in the large pockets, and peeping out of 
crannies and crevices ; Davallias creeping here and there over and up the rocks, showing their 
peculiar brown and white feet; Aspleniums in abundance, some large and spreading, bearing 
numbers of young plants, others finely divided and cut ; the noble Tree-fern (Alsophila excelsa), 
Microlepia platyphylla, a rare species, but a splendid object ; Gold and Silver Ferns; the lovely 
Gymnogramma schizophylla gloriosa, with its gracefully-curved, finely-cut fronds, a picture of 
beauty ; the Stag’s-horn Ferns, the lace-like Cheilanthes elegans, with others of this genus ; and 
Pterises without number. Every step that is taken brings to view species and varieties rare and 
beautiful, and seldom seen in private collections. 
“ One exceedingly beautiful Fern will be noticed in the illustration, hanging gracefully over the 
rock, viz., Adiantum concinnum. This is indeed a lovely plant, such as is seldom seen. There is an 
absence here of the arches which so often appear in various fantastic designs in ferneries, and which 
very frequently spoil the effect, producing an unnatural appearance. In this fernery, while there is 
not the slightest trace of formality, the rock work is so arranged that the Ferns and other plants 
growing at the bottom on the level of the footpath get an abundance of light. When the light is 
obscured by arches or by overhanging rocks injudiciously placed, the plants below them, which 
ought to be as healthy and in as good condition, or better than anywhere else because more in view, 
are weak and drawn, and detract from instead of add to the appearance of the fernery. The 
requirements of plants in the matter of light should always be provided for, and in Mr. Halliwell’s 
Fern paradise they show a healthy vigorous condition, as a result of this and other natural 
surroundings and provisions. 
“In addition to the Ferns there are many Selaginellas planted, some upright in growth, others 
forming tiny carpets of green, golden, or silver verdure. S. c£esia arborea, with its rambling stems 
and branches and beautiful metallic blue foliage, might be in some tropical forest, it is so thoroughly 
at home. Ficus repens and F. minima creep up the stones, hang over the rocks, and spread in all 
directions. Tradescantias and a few other suitable plants give additional variety in form and colour, 
and altogether serve to make up a scene of beauty. 
“ This fernery was constructed and planted by Messrs. W . and J . Birkenhead, of the Fern 
Nursery, Sale.” 
N.B. — The Fernery to which reference is here made, and Illustration of which is given, is one out 
of many which may be seen by the kindness of the gentlemen for whom we have constructed them. 
We shall have pleasure in giving addresses at which they may be seen, on application. 
