so IIISTOKY OF BRITISH FERNS. 



glass, acquire more than tlieir natural delicacy of appear- 

 ance. 



For the hardy Ferns, the frame or case in which they 

 are grown should have a northern aspect ; the eastern and 

 western aspects are less favourable, though, with attention 

 to shading during sunny weather, they may be adopted, 

 and are at least much preferable to the southern, even with 

 the advantasi-e of shadino-. It is the heat, no less than the 

 brightness of such an aspect, which is to be avoided ; and 

 therefore, for all practical purposes, the nearer the situation 

 in Avhicli they are grown approaches the northern aspect, 

 the better. The plants must be kept cool in summer, by 

 shading, by sprinkling, by moderate and cautious ventila- 

 tion in the daytime, and by removing all impediments to a 

 free circulation of air at night, not quite closing the frame, 

 as just intimated, even by day. 



Wardian cases for Ferns, in which they may be planted 

 out on rockwork, may be either of the size and nature of a 

 small detached greenhouse, or of those window or balcony 

 greenhouses made by enclosing within a projected sash a 

 greater or smaller area external to the window ; or they 

 may be of smaller size and more jEinished workmanshi]), 

 for the interior of dwelling-rooms, for staircase-landings, 



