210 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS. 



This is to be supported in the usual way on a mahogany or 

 other stand. On the bottom, or projecting from the sides, 

 proportionate-sized masses of coral or other rocks should be 

 introduced, among which a little soil introduced would serve 

 to fix and nourish the plants ; and these being planted, and 

 the case supplied with water, might, though in their proper 

 element, be examined without difficulty, and at all times. 



Such a case might be placed in the inside of any con- 

 venient window, provided it were not too much exposed 

 to direct sun; for if placed where the sun would have 

 much influence on the temperature of the water, the plants 

 would probably suffer. Indeed, the best aspect would be 

 the north ; and in that case, by carrying a ledge of rock just 

 above the water surface, a situation would be provided 

 which would of all others suit the beautiful Bristle Fern and 

 the Eilmy Eerns (Trickomane* and Hymenopliyllurti) . Some 

 of the very small kinds of fish and the small aquatic mol- 

 lusks might be introduced with advantage, and they would 

 impart something like animation to the water. 



A miniature Aquarium of this kind, planted with the Pal- 

 lisneria and other aquatics, and the TricJiomanes and other 

 Perns, and stocked with miniature fish, is no ideal thing, 

 but has been already constructed, and proves to be of the 



