The Fernery . 
271 
Turning to the practical aspect of the subject, it is our business in a work 
of this kind to give a few suggestions how to make use of the many beautiful 
ferns available for outdoor culture. We have two classes of cultivators to 
consider. Firstly, those who are ambitious to grow as complete a collection 
as possible; and secondly, those who only desire to decorate a shady corner, 
dell, or area in their gardens. Well, we will try, as briefly as our space will 
permit, to assist both with a few words of practical advice. 
First, then, as to large collections. We have already drawn attention to 
the fact that ferns in a state of nature delight in shady nooks and dells, and 
this fact should be a sufficient hint to the cultivator that they require to be 
grown in the shade. It is true ferns of the hardier and more robust type 
will succeed fairly well in the sun, but their number is not legion. To grow 
a collection really well, it is a sine qua 71011 that their habitation be located in 
a position having a north aspect, where light but not sun, may have full 
access to them. The latter point is a most important one, and should 
not be overlooked if success is desired. And then another point for 
consideration is whether the fernery shall consist of beds, or banks raised 
above the level ground, or a dell or ravine naturally or artificially con¬ 
structed. In deciding this point the natural conformation of the ground 
must be considered. If a dell or a natural depression of the ground exists 
in the garden, and this is sufficiently shaded from sun by trees, or if 
it is possible to secure the needful shade by planting trees, then by 
all means give preference to such a position. The ’compressed surface can 
be easily rendered deeper by excavating the soil and adding this to the 
sides, and so ensure an excellent position for ferns. But if, on the other 
hand, you have the level surface only to deal with, then it will be necessary, 
unless you are prepared to go to the expense of excavation, to form raised 
beds and banks with burrs, stones, or tree stumps, and transported soil in 
some shady position. Here, however, let us point out that raised beds, 
&c., are not so well adapted for growing choice moisture-loving ferns like 
the Osmunda as the sunk fernery. In the latter, all classes of ferns can be 
accommodated—those requiring much moisture in the bottom, those a 
moderate amount higher up, whilst those that require little moisture can 
be planted at the summit. Taking every point into consideration, there¬ 
fore, it is undoubtedly preferable to incur the cost of excavating the ground 
where a natural hollow does not exist. Of course, in some positions the 
surface is naturally very damp, and here there would be no objection to 
