FERN-CASES. 105 



cases are sometimes seen in which there is so 

 little glass, that it seems like a panel of some 

 choice material set for display in a splendid mould.- 

 ing, as costly tiles might be mounted in the jar- 

 dinttre. Now, the less conspicuous the material 

 which forms the frame to hold the glass, whether 

 it be wood, iron, or paper, the better it is. And, 

 even when made as light as possible, it should be 

 painted or stained a color which may still farther 

 reduce its prominence as seen among the plants. 

 For this purpose, chocolate, or brick-red with 

 black, will do as well as any thing. The chocolate- 

 color recommends itself also for the interior of a 

 greenhouse, as it is complementary to green, and 

 plants and fronds look well against it. For the 

 same reason also, black- walnut, dark mahogany, 

 or other deep-reddish woods, are most suitable in 

 color for the construction of the frame of the fern- 

 case. 



Other plants than ferns can be successfully 

 grown in cases ; but they are comparatively few. 

 A list of the best will be given at another page of 

 this book. For circular ferneries, the most beauti- 

 ful of all such plants are the Selaginellas. They 

 grow best when left to themselves, and, as they do 

 not mind close quarters, will not require that the 

 shade be lifted for a long time, sometimes for 

 months. 



Finally, keep the fern-case near the light, but 



