140 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



fifteen inches in diameter, take three pieces of plank — walnut or 

 other hard wood — two inches thick ; fasten them securely together 

 with glue and screws, forming a solid piece of wood six inches 

 thick. The inside of this piece of solid wood is to be removed by 

 the saw, leaving only a rim to support the zinc pan which is to 

 contain the soil. This wooden rim, which is to be turned in finish- 

 ing, can be ornamented if you wish. The case when complete will 

 last for years. The heat and dampness will not affect it, provided 

 no water is thrown over it. A zinc pan, with an opening in the 

 bottom for drainage, fits into the wooden case. The pan is made 

 with a rim to receive the shade ; this will prevent water from com- 

 ing in contact with the wood. This wooden case will cost about 

 double the price of one made of earthen or lava ware ; but it 

 presents a better appearance in the room, and there is no trouble 

 from scaling off" or cracking, as is often the case with earthen 

 ware. Very few of the latter are properly constructed for drain- 

 age ; therefore I would recommend a wooden case. The larger 

 the case, the more satisfactory it will be. Frequently in selecting 

 a case one has to be guided by tlie space he can afford for it ; but 

 I should say the larger the case the better. I have had cases no 

 larger than four inches in diameter, but of course they were mere 

 toys, though better than none, if you have space for one no larger. 



If you have a wooden case designed for a shade fifteen inches in 

 diameter, make it six inches deep. This will give you two inches 

 of drainage, and four inches of soil, in which can be grown any 

 plants suitable for a case of this size. Most of the earthen fern 

 cases are not more than four inches deep : this depth will answer 

 for those of small size, but it is not sufficient for larger ones. 

 The soil and method of planting recommended for Ward! an cases 

 are suitable for ferneries : also the same general treatment will 

 answer for a ventilated fern case. 



A fern case for winter decoration ought to be filled in Augustj 

 or not later than the first of September. This will give the plants 

 time to get fairly established, and make new growth for the winter, 

 before the short, cold days commence. Cases filled later in the 

 autumn afford very little satisfaction or pleasure, as they rarely 

 get underway, or begin to make new growth, until spring, if they 

 do not wliolly die out during the winter. Were I intending to fill 

 a case for my own use I should certainly plant early. 



For the close case, I should only use such plants as are suitable. 



