1GG 



WL\D I V GA RD ENIXG. 



round, should have a sinall door to reach the plants without lifting the glass top. 

 The soil for fern cases, should be carefully attended to; no common garden 

 earth will answer; get it from the most reliable florist if possible, and even 

 some of these may not know exactly the needs of the plant. For ferns, choose 

 leaf mould one part, silver sand one part, dry friable peat two parts. Avoid that 

 peat which comes from wet unhealthy situations. Wherever you see ferns grow- 

 ing near the edge of woods or running streams, you can be safe in taking p^me 

 of the same soil, if you cannot get a good Compost anywhere else. English Hoists, 

 who have access to special materials, make up a particular compost of the ol 



Fig. 46. Heated Fern Case. 



.owing materials which is described as perfect. Mix equal parts of silver sand 

 good loam, powdered charcoal, refuse of cocoanut fibre. If you wish, you maj 

 cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of powdered charcoal, or bricks or grave 

 broken to the size of hazel nuts, to a depth of one inch, if pan is four inches 

 deep ; or one and one-half inches if 6 inches deep. Do not take the advice of those 

 who recommend filling the pan half full with small charcoal ; such a proportion 

 is unnecessary. When the soil has been placed in the pan press firmly that 

 all the plants may be set solidly. 

 Location for fern cases. They will do well anywhere, and that is just what the 



