PLANTS SUITABLE FOR VIVARIUM. $1 
proper size. All surplus water can then be easily drawn off by 
means of the pipe already mentioned. 
The soil of the Fern-case is a very important matter, as far as 
the health of the Ferns is concerned. Any kind of earth will 
not do. Properly prepared mould may be readily and cheaply 
bought in most large towns. The following mixtures have been 
recommended as forming soils in which ferns will grow well: (i.) 
Two parts peaty soil, and one part cocoa-nut fibre. (ii.) Peat, 
turfy loam, and coarse sand well mixed. (iii.) Fibrous bog- 
mould, sand, aud small pieces of porous stone, mingled together. 
(iv.) Equal portions of coarse fibrous loam, good fibrous peat, 
leaf-mould, and silver sand, to this may be added charcoal and 
sandstone, broken up in small pieces. (v.) Good loam, leaf- 
mould and river or coarse silver sand. Naturally, different ferns 
sometimes require slightly different soil. It is never wise to 
plant ferns very closely together, plenty of space should be 
allowed for their growth. 
The undermentioned ferns are suitable for such a Fern-case as 
the one referred to: The British Maidenhair (Adiantum capillus- 
Fic. 19.—ASPLENIUM FONTANUM. 
venerts); the Plumed Maidenhair (Adiantum formosum, Fig. 
18); the Fountain Spleenwort (Asplenium fontanum, Fig. 19) ; 
the Black Maidenhair Spleenwort (Aspleniwm adiantum-nigrumy) ; 
