FERN-CASES. 89 



fastening blocks of wood inside the tray, one at 

 each corner, and one in the centre of each side 

 and end. The glass will rest on these, only being 

 allowed to come sufficiently below the upper edge 

 of the tray to keep the case firmly in position. 

 As nearly as can be estimated, the cost of such a 

 fernery will be, 



Three feet pine, sawed into shape . . $0.25 

 Three feet walnut, bevelled and grooved . .75 



Tar 10 



Glass 3.25 



Two yards tape 08 



One sheet paper . 10 



Nails . .05 



Total . . . $4.58 



The listing and glue should always be at hand 

 in every house. This fernery has all the essentials 

 of the $30 case shown in PI. 1 1 ; and the plants 

 will thrive in it as well, perhaps even better. 

 Instead of flour-paste for fastening the binding- 

 tape, the rubber cement made by dissolving pure 

 rubber in benzole or chloroform may be used, or 

 even shellac varnish ; which latter may be improved 

 by the addition of a little of the rubber solution. 

 Or, again, the glass may be set in an inexpensive 

 zinc frame soldered at the corners. If a zinc pan 

 is desired for a case of this description, the joints 

 in the base need not be made tight ; but, the list 



