246 - THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
fernery. I would recommend only plants of dwarf habit, such as 
Reineckea carnea var., with grassy foliage, green and white; Paniewm 
variegatum, a very pretty grass, with pink, white, and green foliage ; 
and a small variety of Bambusa Cyperus alternifolius var. is quite 
pretty when a small plant; but the growth is almost too rapid for a 
fern case of ordinary size. The foliage is light and graceful, and 
contrasts prettily with ferns. It is a charming plant fora Wardian 
case. 
Rockwork in a case of large size has a very pretty effect when 
well arranged. This is a difficult matter to accomplish, and I gene- 
rally prefer the case filled with plants rather than rocks, though for 
variety I occasionally introduce them. I use coke and pumice-stone 
soaked in water, and sprinkled with cement to give colour. These 
substances are very light, and answer the purpose well. Quite 
small plants only are fit to be used with the rocks. 
I have had a ventilated case filled with the following-named 
plants, and the effect was highly satisfactory :—Nephrolepis exaltata, 
Adiantum colpodes, Onychium japonicum, Selaginella umbrosa, 8S. 
Wildenovit, Panicum variegatum, Lycopodium denticulatum var. ; 
near the glass Wittonia Pearcei, F. argyroneura, and Peperomia 
maculosa, and suspended in the shell a plant of Selaginella cesium. 
This last is the prettiest basket plant I have ever used for summer 
decoration. 
Among our native plants are many charming ferns that will soon 
accustom themselves to the confinement of the case. Aspleniwm 
ebeneum and A. trichomanes are very pretty ferns for rock-work ; 
Adiantum pedatum is a lovely fern for a case, but requires rest in 
winter. Polypodium vulgare is pretty by contrast with those more 
delicate. There are several Selaginellas which will soon become 
quite at home in the fern case, and will be valuable acquisitions. 
Equisetums are pretty, and so different in their character and foliage 
from other plants, that one would hardly wish to be without them. 
Almost anywhere in the woods and swamps, beautiful and delicate 
plants may be found that will grace any fernery. Many gems are 
often discovered in this way. A favourite of mine is the Mitchella 
repens, or partridge berry vine, which takes readily to the close case, 
its bright red berries remaining perfect in their beauty for a long 
time. This plant always produces a wonderful effect, and there 
is nothing prettier for any case, no matter with what else it may 
be filled. 
In the selection of a fern-case, I should choose one with an 
outlet for drainage. This, I have already said, is very essential, 
especially fora novice. If there is no drainage, water must be used 
very sparingly. Crocks and small pieces of charcoal, covered lightly 
with old moss to keep the soil from shifting down through, are the 
best for drainage. I prefer a case constructed of wood. 
A fern-case for winter decoration ought to be filled in August, 
or not later than the first of September. This will give the plants 
time to become fairly established, and make new growth for the 
winter, before the short, cald days commence. Cases filled later in 
the autumn afford very little satisfaction or pleasure, as the plants 
