WAEDIAN CASES AND FERNERIES. 139 



Rockwork in a case of the size just described, has a very pretty 

 effect when well arranged. This is a difficult matter to accom- 

 plish and I generally prefer the case filled with plants rather 

 than rocks, though for variety I occasionally introduce them. 1 

 use coke and pumice stone soaked in water, and sprinkled with 

 cement to give color. 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 this ventilated case filled with the following named 

 plants, and the effect was highly satisfactory : Neplirolepis exaltata, 

 Adiantum colpodes, OnycMmn Japonicum^ Selaginella umbrosa, S. 

 Wildenovii, Paniaim variegatum^ Lycopodium denticulatum var. ; 

 near the glass Fittonia Pearcei, F. argyroneara and Peperomia 

 maculosa, and suspended in the shell a plant of Selaginella ccesium. 

 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. Asple- 

 niv.m ebeneum and A. trkhomanes are very pretty ferns for rock- 

 work ; Adiantum pedatum is a lovely fern for a case, but requires 

 rest in winter. Polyp)odium vidgare 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. Equisetinns are prett}^, 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 favorite 

 of mine is the 3Iitchella 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 alwaj^s produces a 

 wonderful effect, and there is nothing prettier for any case, no 

 matter with what else it may be filled. 



Management. — 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 for a novice. If there is no drainage, water 

 must be used very sparingly. Crocks and small pieces of char- 

 coal, covered lightly with old moss to keep the soil from sifting 

 down through, are the best for drainage. I prefer a case con- 

 structed of wood. For a case that will require a shade twelve or 



