CONSTRUCTION OF A FEBN CASE. 205 



Ferns may then be introduced (the smallest varieties being 

 the most suitable), with pieces of pumice stone, Roman cement, 

 rockwork, &c., to taste. Should the light be too intense, a 

 screen may be placed at the back. 



We find the most suitable watering-pot for Wardian cases 

 is an engineer's oil- can. (They can be procured at any iron- 

 monger's for 6d. each.) When filled, the pressure of the 

 forefinger at the bottom causes an ejection of the water, which 

 immediately stops running on withdrawing the finger. One 

 at the price mentioned holds about a quarter of a pint. A 

 few good specimens of Mosses add greatly to the appearance 

 of a fernery of this description, particularly if some of the 

 scarlet cups so common in spring upon our hedgebanks be 

 introduced. Ferns and Mosses seem naturally inseparable 

 companions, and should not be parted. 



The case is wide enough to allow three rows of Ferns 

 placed alternately, and will hold about eighteen plants. The 

 centre row should be planted with the following six species 

 in this order : Adiantum pedatum, A. brasiliense, Onychium 

 lucidum, Adiantum formosum, Davallia canariensis, and 

 Doodia aspera. 



The next row may be planted with the following: 

 Adiantum tenerum, Doodia media, Platyloma rotundifolia, 

 Adiantum capillus-Veneris, Lycopodium stoloniferum, and 

 Grammitis ceterach. 



The row on the other side may contain the following: 

 Adiantum kirsutum, Pteris cretica, P. serrulata, Tjycopodium 

 variabile, Allosorus crispus, and Cystopteris fragilis. 



There is a very neat form or arrangement for Fern glasses 

 wherein rockwork and liliputian ruins are introduced and 

 planted with Ferns and other cryptogamic plants'. They are 

 prepared by Mr. W. F. French, of Bristol, and specimens, at 

 very moderate prices, are on sale at the flower-shops about 

 Covent Garden. To look at them in their unfurnished state 

 they are not very attractive ; but when placed under a glass 



