STOCKING AND MANAGING WARDIAN CASES. 247 



rockery may be formed, with some graceful fern occupying 

 the top, and the smaller kinds clustered at the base. In a 

 small case it is, however, not advisable to attempt any such 

 effect, but to plant in rows or clumps. 



Care must be taken not to crowd the plants, nothing is 

 gained by it. 



Having selected our plants, place them firmly in the 

 position they are to occupy; cut off all damaged and 

 decaying fronds, being careful not to injure any young 

 shoots. Level or elevate the surface of the soil, covering 

 or picking out any protruding lumps. If the plants are in 

 pots, sunk in the soil, draw the earth over the rim of 

 the pot, so as to hide it, being careful not to thereby bury 

 the plant too deep. 



Now, as to watering. Ferns love shade and moisture, 

 but this is no reason they should be shut up in darkness, or 

 drenched with water, as is too often the case. As soon 

 as the case is planted, give a slight watering with a fine- 

 rosed watering pot, to settle the soil. 



Shade the case for a few days, giving free ventilation 

 until the plants are established ; if the case is open for a 

 few hours each day it will be sufficient. Water thus 

 whenever the soil seems to need it, which is easily known 



