246 STOCKING AND MANAGING WARDIAN CASES. 



afford for the admission of atmospheric influences, such 

 flowerless plants need less ventilation than most other 

 kinds ; and even in the case of flowering plants, those 

 which prefer moisture and partial shade are the most 

 suitable. 



Of course different ferns and plants require different 

 culture, but most will thrive under one general system. 

 The soil should be one part peat, one part leaf mould, 

 one half part silver sand ; small bits of charcoal should be 

 mixed in. The soil should be broken, not sifted, and 

 should be of such a consistency that when wet it 

 should be crumbly, and not pasty. The materials should 

 be well mixed by hand. 



We have also grown ferns successfully in a soil com- 

 posed of one part peat, one part sphagnum moss, chopped 

 fine, and one part silver sand. 



The planting of the case may be varied to meet the 

 taste and fancy. The primary object is to secure perfect 

 drainage ; and for ferns, an admixture of broken pot- 

 sherds with the soil permits a freer circulation of air 

 around the roots, which conduces much to a healthy 

 growth. 



If your case is large, and sufficiently high, a miniature 



