СНАРТЕК УП 
ROCKERIES, FRAMES, AND WARDIAN CASES 
GIVEN such protection from wind and burning sunshine as we find 
prevailing in those spots where Ferns best luxuriate in their native 
habitats, properly constructed rockeries in the open are admirably 
adapted for their culture. It is always, indeed, in broken, rough, and 
rocky soils that we find Ferns at their best, provided that shade- 
giving trees shelter them both from the rough breeze and the too 
ardent sunbeams, and that moist conditions prevail. When, there- 
fore, the construction of a Rock Fernery be considered, a position 
and aspect should be chosen which tallies as nearly as possible 
with the conditions aforesaid. The main slopes of the rockwork 
should face north or east, and, of course, if a belt of trees or tall 
shrubs can be utilized as a wind-screen so much the better, since 
the fronds can never display their natural delicacy and grace if 
unduly exposed to rough breezes. Ferns, although fond of moisture, 
are averse to stagnant wet conditions, and the loose nature of 
the soil we have described indicates good drainage. Having, 
therefore, chosen the site for a rockery, it is best to begin the 
mound, if such has to be constructed, by making a heap of loose 
brick, or other open and lasting material, some feet deep, covering 
this with good garden soil, avoiding stiff clayey material, which 
soil should be heaped high enough to provide for considerable 
settlement. The mound being made of the required shape and size 
the placing of the rockwork should begin, and for this purpose 
porous sandstone should be used if procurable, though good effect 
may be attained by the use of brick burrs, or the misshapen masses 
of spoilt bricks which accumulate at most brickfields. This material 
is very congenial to Ferns owing to its porous nature, and if the 
burrs be carefully selected, and all corners knocked off, they answer 
the purpose exceedingly well, and do not offend the eye by an 
appearance of artificiality. Clinkers should be strenuously avoided ; 
we do not see clinkers in nature, and natural effects are what we aim 
at. Shells, corals, and similar things we have seen associated with 
rockeries, much to the disgust of any well-constituted mind. Having 
the material ready, the placing should commence at the bottom of 
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