WINDOW GARDENING. 



165 



tionable. The best rule to observe is as follows : Ferns, whose fronds are not over 

 eight inches in length, should be planted in a pan four inches in depth. Larger 

 ferns may i-equire a pan five to six inches in depth, but four inches will generally 

 be found sufficient for all purposes. 



Those who try the shallow and deep pans will soon find how much more freely 

 their plants grow when plenty of space is allowed for their roots. A side open- 

 ing to the glass case is to be preferred in all cases, whether by hinged doors or 

 sHding panes. This avoids reaching in at the top of the fern case, which, besides 

 being extremely awkward, often results in the breaking of the fronds or the 

 leaves. 



The height of the case is an impor- 

 tant point. Under glass, a plant or 

 fern, will often develop a greater 

 length of frond, than under any dif- 

 ferent circumstances. Make your cases 

 high, so that all fronds may have room 

 to develop and expand to full size ; and 

 the height should not be less than 

 twice the diameter. In cramped 

 quarters, and cases chosen perhaps too ' 

 small, filled with too robust plants, 

 their growth is often summarily — r — 

 checked by reaching the top of the I / 

 glass ; there the fronds with no chance 

 to get higher, lie flattened out against 

 the surface of the glass collecting an 

 undue amount of moisture, which — 

 soon causes it to mould or damp off. 

 It becomes unsightly, and the beauty 

 of many rare and fine looking speci- 

 mens is endangered. 



The forms and construction of fern -^ 

 cases will differ with the tastes of each — 

 individual. We do not recommend at 



tempts at " home made " cases, on the Pig 45 -Ferns m a \A mdow Garden 



side of mere economj^ for there are now cases already prepai ed foi use, at so cheap 

 prices, and obtainable at proper places, that it is a waste of time to make one 

 yourself. Very desirable cases are now imported, constructed of bases of pottery, 

 with dishes all complete, and the glass shade ready to fit upon the top — only 

 wanting the soil and the plants from the florist. Very good cases ai-e also made 

 of wood bases, and the cost for either will not exceed ^3 for circular cases 12 

 inches in diameter, to ^6 or ^10 for 18 inches to 2 ft. in diameter. 



The larger your case, the better, provided it is not too bulky. It should be in 

 a form easily handled, light in weight ; and if square, or in any other form than 



