206 CONSTRUCTION OF A FERN CASE. 



shade and appropriately planted, they are very effective. We 

 have one before us most strikingly so. The base or ground- 

 work, composed like the ruin, of fragments of various calxes 

 and stones, is covered with growing Lichens ; and grouped 

 about the ruin are Adiantum formosum, Adiantum capillus- 

 Veneris, Asplenium ruta-muraria, Pteris serrulata, Lycopo- 

 dium densum, &c. 



The following are Mr. French's directions for keeping them 

 in a healthy condition : 



" The best situation for the case is in a window open to 

 the north ; but the plants will grow and flourish in other 

 aspects, if due care be taken to shade them from direct 

 sunlight, which causes Ferns to grow too rapidly, and to 

 become deformed. Twice a-week in summer, and once a-week 

 in winter, the glass cover should be removed for a few minutes, 

 and occasionally the inner side of the glass and the rim of the 

 case may be wiped dry. 



" A small quantity of rain water must be added, from time 

 to time, to replace that subtracted by evaporation and by 

 wiping the glass cover. About a wineglassful at a time, and 

 five or six times a-year, will generally be found sufficient. 

 The best way to apply the water is with a small piece of 

 sponge, or a small syringe ; care being taken to avoid wetting 

 the fronds, which causes them to rot away. 



" Dead fronds and branches must be cut out neatly. The 

 same side of the case should be always kept turned towards 

 the light." 



We ought not to omit mentioning that wherever Mr. 

 French has exhibited his Fern-adorned rockwork it has been 

 generally admired. It forms one of the most elegant of room- 

 adornments. 



One of the best forms of Fern cases is that called " The 

 Bijou," an elegant and ornamental structure for drawing- 

 rooms and sitting-rooms, made by Mr. Stocks, 14, Archer 

 Street, Kensington Park, W. 



