1884.J PLANTS SUITABLE FOR ROOM CULTURE. 45 



FEUNS. 



For growing exposed, ferns liaving hard fronds, as rule, should be 

 selected, such as Pteris cretica, P. tremula, P. serrulata, Scolopeu- 

 driunis of many varieties, and Aspleniums, such as bulbiferum and 

 fontanum. But by using a Wardian case, many of which are 

 exceedingly ornamental as well as useful, there is absolutely no 

 limit to the kind of ferns which may be grown in them with a little 

 care. Bell-glasses are also of great service, as they keep a uniforml}' 

 moist atmosphere around the plants. But here again great care 

 must be taken in watering. Very little water is required to be 

 given to plants growing in close cases, and they should be well 

 drained, and proper means, by a tap or otherwise, provided for 

 carrying off surplus water. I have seen over and over again 

 instances of elaborately-finished fern cases in rooms having their 

 occupants most elaborately drowned from want of this precaution. 

 Of all kinds of ferns, filmy ferns are possibly best adapted for room 

 culture, as they are certainly the loveliest of all ferns. Since they 

 require a certain degree of shade, the subdued light of a room seems 

 to suit them perfectly. But for growing them, a Bell-glass or close 

 case is absolutely essential. They are often thought to be difficult 

 to manage, but after the proper treatment to give them has been 

 learned, they will l)e found to be as easily grown as any of the 

 others. Their greater rarity has, no doubt, tended much to give them 

 that character. 



AQUATIC PLANTS. 



Where a small aquarium can be had, a goodly number of these 

 plants -might be grown. Were it only to grow the beautiful Cape 

 pond weed, Aponogeton distachyon, it would well repay the expense ; 

 and I am sure it would prove a continual source of pleasure and 

 interesting study to its possessor. This pond weed has long lance- 

 shaped, green leaves, which float on tlie top of the water, with 

 flowers of an ivory whiteness, which possess a delicate hawthorzi 

 perfume. It is, moreover, easily grown, but requires to be covered 

 with water to the depth of a foot or eighteen inches. Along with 

 it might be grown Vallisneria spiralis, a most interesting aquatic. 

 Though not so showy as the last mentioned, it would associate very 

 well with it. These two would require their roots to be in the soil, 

 either by planting tliem in a pot, and covering the surface with 

 gravel or stones, to prevent the earth from being washed out, or 

 by putting the soil in the bottom of the aquarium, planting, and 

 then filling up with water. Numerous little floating aquatics and some 

 small fresh-water fish miLrht then be added. Several of the smaller 



