108 FERNS 



ous gases is thus obtained, and an even degree 

 of humidity is insured. With light, heat 

 and change of air, fems of the right sort flour- 

 ish much better under glass than they do 

 without cover. 



The evolution from the bottle to the 

 Wardian case includes the bell glass, which 

 is the resort of the majority who would grow 

 ferns under adverse conditions or with the 

 least trouble. These, if properly filled and 

 rightly managed, are very satisfactory. 



Such glasses are obtained with compara- 

 tive ease, as they are often found among 

 taxidermists' supplies, but it is sometimes 

 difficult to obtain a satisfactory base, as the 

 use of the bell glass for a fern case is not 

 usual and the conventional fern dish is not 

 made with reference to glass covering of 

 any sort. There is nothing in the market 

 which answers exactly. 



The old-fashioned soup plate is the only 

 utensil which has come within my reach 

 that affords room for drainage and admits 

 of an air space between the glass and filling. 



