448 STATE rOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



with rarely au exception., re(iiure no cure during Winter. Tlic use of vines for 

 hanging baskets in our rooms has become universal ; but they may also be made 

 to answer a still more ornamental purpose by training tliem around the window 

 casements, wherever tliey may obtain sulheient light to enable them to live 

 and flourish. 



"W'ARDIAX FERXERIES. 



The Xew York Herald tells how to construct au inexpensive Wardian case. 

 The frame may be made of wood, wliicli is least affected Ijy sudden changes of 

 temperature, or of galvanized iron, which is less liable to decay. Let the width 

 of the case be nearly one-half the length. The height of the glass sides should 

 be the same as tlio widtli, and the roof formed of four sloping sides with a flat 

 top, one side of which sliould be iixed on hinges, in order to give ventilation. 

 By making the frame-work of wood, any boy of fourteen with ordinary 

 ingennity can make a case of this kind. The sloi:)ing roof is not only more 

 graceful than tlie flat top, but also gives room for the growth of taller plants. 

 The pan to receive the ferns, must be of zinc or galvanized iron. It is not 

 necessary to liave a double bottom. Bits of charcoal and broken potsherds will . 

 give the proper drainage. Lay these in the bottom, to the depth of an inch, 

 and cover with eight inches of soil. Tlie water will drain into tlicse bits of 

 charcoal and potsherd, and may be drawn oft; by a stop cock in the bottom. 

 Tiie soil should be of peat, silver sand, and leaf mould, in equal parts, well 

 mixed by hand, but not sifted. Now having prepared the soil, select your 

 plants, remembering to grow together only such as require the same amount of 

 light and moisture. 



For a case of medium size and ordinary workmanship, the pretty ferns, 

 mosses, and early s])ring flowers, from our own woods will answer admirably. 

 Take them up carefully, keo})ing as much earth around the roots as possible, 

 but sliaking olf all sods which contain roots of grass tliat might grow so rap- 

 idly as to hide your ferns. You will find in any wood many varieties of ferns, 

 among them the curious walking leaf, and in the earth, clinging to the roots 

 of the ferns will be seeds and roots of wild flowers, whicli will grow and bloom 

 in your case. It will be a constant source of happy surprise to watch the start- 

 ing of new plants and the nnrolling of each tiny frond of the ferns. Many 

 meadow and swamp plants will also thrive well. Having chosen your ferns, 

 cut oil all damaged or dead fronds, taking care not to injure the young shoots. 

 Place them firmly in tlic soil, but do not crowd tliem too closely. As soon as 

 planted give a slight watering, to settle the soil. Shade tlie case for a few days 

 nntil tlie plants become established ; leaving it open for a couple of hours each 

 day will give sutlicient ventilation. Keep the soil moist Ijut never allow it to 

 become soaked and sodden. Too much moisture will cause the old fronds to 

 collect mould, and the younger ones to decay. Light is, of course, essential, 

 and a little gentle sun-light is beneficial ; but the case should never be exposed 

 to the direct rays of a hot sun. Keep the case closed when the sun is on it. 

 AVhen the soil becomes too wet and moisture collects on the glass, give ventila- 

 tion. i\Iany flowering })lants which will not otherwise succeed in our parlors, 

 bloom profusely in a case. They should lie grown separately from the ferns, 

 however, as they require more ventilation, (iloxinias, pansies, and begonias 



