Staghorn ferns ornament the narrow porch of the Lands and Works Office, Brisbane, Queensland, 1904, photographer unidentified, via State Library of Queensland.
(Click on the image for a better view.)
I believe the ferns are Platycerium superbum, which are native to Australia.
“Group of women having a tea party in Queensland, Australia,” ca. 1887, photographer unknown, via State Library of Queensland.
Beautiful Platycerium or staghorn ferns on the wall and columns. These could be Platycerium superbum, which are native to Australia. The one on the left seems to be supporting another plant — maybe a coleus.
How quiet it is, how silent,
like an afternoon in Pompeii.— Louise Glück, from “A Summer Garden“
enclos*ure 