392 



FEENS I BRITISH AND FOEETGN. 



now completed, the soil must be brought to a uni- 

 form state of moisture ; this is best accomplished by 

 two or three moderate waterings at intervals of half 

 an hour, and when thoroughly drained, the case may 

 be closed and placed in position. To make cases, 

 ornamental pieces of marble, shells, &c., are often 

 introduced ; but this should not be tolerated, as they 

 do not harmonize with the occupants of such a 

 structure. 



For Hymenophylla it is necessary they should be 

 sprinkled overhead occasionally ; to enable this to be 

 done, the tops of all small cases should be moveable, 

 and in large ones a hinged pane is required. A 

 sponge, or small thumb-pots filled with water and 

 placed out of sight, will greatly assist in keeping a 

 moist atmosphere, which is so essential for the health 

 of these filmy-leaved plants. If the cases stand in a 

 room where a fire is regularly kept in the winter, a 

 great many tropical species may be grown, and in 

 situations where they stand exposed, such as balcony 

 windows, halls, &c., care must be taken, as winter 

 approaches, that the soil does not become frozen, 

 such being very detrimental to even the hardiest 

 Ferns. Hot bricks and bottles filled with hot 

 water have been resorted to as a preventive against 

 frost, as also for maintaining a proper temperature 

 for tropical species ; but unless the bottom of the 

 case is constructed for that purpose, and arrangements 

 made for this mode of heating, to be strictly and 

 regularly attended to, it had better be dispensed with. 

 Should the case be exposed to the direct rays of the 

 sun during the summer, it must be shaded, and 

 care taken that the temperature inside does not 



