238 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS. 



metal frame, and closed in by a glass lid or cover. Tliis 

 would require to be supported on a stand. On the bottom 

 of the interior, or projecting from the sides, proportionate- 

 sized masses of coral or other rocks should be introduced, 

 amono; which a little soil introduced would serve to fix 

 and nourish the plants. Thus the smaller aquatic plants 

 might, though in their proper element, be examined with- 

 out difficulty, and at all times. 



The proper situation for such a case would be the inside 

 of any convenient window, provided it were not too much 

 exposed to the heat of the sun ; for if placed where the 

 sun would have much influence on the temperature of the 

 water, the plants would probably suffer. On this account, 

 we believe, the best aspect would be the north ; and in 

 such a situation, by carrying a ledge of rock just above the 

 water-surface, inside the case, a situation would be pro- 

 vided which would of all others best suit the beautiful and 

 delicate Bristle Fern and the Film Ferns. Some of the 

 very small kinds of fish and the small aquatic molluscs 

 might be introduced with advantage, and they would 

 impart something like animation to the water. A minia- 

 ture aquarium of this kind, planted with the Vallisneria 

 and other aquatics, and the Trichomanes and other Ferns, 



