Tlaut Cases. 203 



Plant Cases. 



E-isity rcaU hy Mr. Vranhn at the Novetnhvr tueetimj of the ahain-pnlgne County Tlorticnl- 



turiil Society. 



" r)LANT Cases " may be termed miniature greenhouses or conservatories, subject 

 J- to the same rules and regulations as their larger and more pretentious neigh- 

 bors, and are equally capable of giving as much pleasure and entertainment accord- 

 ing to their size. 



These Cases may be made any shape or size, to suit individual taste. Some prefer 

 them octagonal, others quadrangular. They are especially adapted to the growth of 

 ferns and other cryptogams, but, by proper attention to watering and ventilation, many 

 flowering plants may be grown successfully in them. Each class, however, had better 

 be grown in separate Cases, as they require different treatment. 



How to tnalie « I'lant Cane. 



Make the box in any form you may desire ; let it be about six inches deep ; this 

 should be well painted inside and out. At one end, in the bottom, insert a small faucet 

 or wooden plug, to allow the water to pass off if necessary. Put in the bottom about 

 two inches of drainage — it may be broken brick, cinders, or anything of a porous 

 nature, that will absorb water or allow it to pass through freely. Cover the drainage 

 with decayed sod or moss, to prevent the soil from mingling with it, and on this put 

 as much good compost as the box will hold, composed of sand, loam and leaf-mould, 

 about equal parts. In this soil may be planted a variety of plants of small growth, 

 according to taste. The upper portion consists of a permanent framework of wood 

 (black walnut looks well), or it may be made of iron or zinc. It had better be glazed 

 on all sides and top. The frame may rest in a groove sunk in the box. 



Give the plants a good watering, then put the frame on, and they will not require 

 any more for many weeks. The frame should be taken off for half an hour every 

 morning to admit air, but do not let a cold draught strike them. For ferns and 

 mosses, it will not be necessary to remove the top oftener than once a month. 



Perhaps the most simple, and at the same time, tasteful. Plant Case, is a bell 

 glass, with terra cotta dish ; but these are necessarily small, and the variety of 

 plants must correspond. 



After these general remarks, it will be well to give a more detailed description of 

 the mode of treatment best adapted for ferns and mosses, and these are more gene- 

 rally grown in this way than other plants. 



It must be borne in mind that ferns, although they like a moist atmosphere, can- 

 not thrive when their roots are in water ; hence, to obtain the best results, they 

 must have good drainage. Then, a frequent sprinkling over the fronds will not 

 injure them, but will be rather beneficial. They delight in a compost of leaf-mould 

 well decayed, and a little sand. 



In a fern Case of two or three feet in diameter, there is room for a great deal of 

 taste to be displayed, not only in the arrangement of the plants, but in building 

 miniature castles and rock-work. Many of the choicest and most delicate ferns may 

 be placed on these elevations, and will then show to great advantage. Care must Jae 

 taken not to overdo the thing by putting in too many ornaments. Anything that is 



