96 FERNS 



Rocks selected for indoor use should be 

 cemented to a flat base from two to four 

 inches thick. By so doing, the stone itself 

 is not only shown to better advantage but 

 all the lower cavities are made available. 



So far as trays for holding indoor rock- 

 work are concerned, there is little choice in 

 the market. If lacquered ware is used it 

 should be lined with tea lead or painted with 

 some rust-proof preparation. Agate iron- 

 ware is stronger and less likely to bend with 

 the weight upon it when moved. But, what- 

 ever the material, the article should be deep 

 enough to catch all drip and roomy enough 

 to admit of an artistic setting, as the frame 

 may enhance or mar the beauty of any picture. 



Intelligent and artistic filling of rocks 

 requires time and thought and proper imple- 

 ments and selection of plants for the work. 

 I have discovered that a small spoon is better 

 than a trowel for throwing loose soil into the 

 crevices, and that a hardwood meat skewer 

 makes a practical tamping tool. A quantity 

 of invisible hairpins or fine wire which can 



