110 FERNS 



Growth thus confined often takes on a 

 form differing a little from that of open-air 

 plants. Erect species become undulating 

 or wavy, taking on grace as the strength of 

 the plant lessens. Although ferns will live 

 on year in and year out under glass, they 

 will surely die if permanently removed, as 

 they have not stamina enough to withstand 

 the drier air after living any length of time in 

 confined humidity. 



The care of bell-glass ferneries is much 

 less than is required for open culture. Show- 

 ering with a small rubber plant sprinkler 

 once a week, or every ten days perhaps, is 

 usually sufficient. The air should be changed 

 daily by leaving off the glass for a few minutes, 

 that is, if the glass fits closely over the base. 



They are not often perfectly true on the 

 edges. Air enough may thus steal in to 

 prevent decay, but not enough to damage 

 the growth within, even if from a question- 

 able atmosphere. If perchance a glass should 

 happen to fit too well it may be raised a trifle 

 by inserting a match or a toothpick in the 



