112 FERNS 



here enforced, therefore the corner posts are 

 not posts at all. The four frames are mitred 

 together, half-inch splines being used on the 

 corners only. A groove ^ x J inch is rab- 

 beted out for the accommodation of the 

 adjustable panels, which are the leading 

 feature of the fern case. Anyone who has 

 attempted a fernery where the entire case 

 must be lifted off for filling or fixing will 

 appreciate the convenience of panels which 

 are easily removed (Plate 30). The glass is 

 of heavy quality, each piece neatly framed, 

 with half-inch stuff grooved an eighth of an 

 inch to receive it. No putty is used in any 

 part of the work. In case of breakage a 

 couple of screws on one side of the frame 

 can be taken out and new glass slipped in. 

 Brads secure the panels at the bottom, 

 and pins made of bicycle spokes serve for 

 the top; these slip through a slot into corre- 

 sponding holes in the frames, and the fern 

 case is intact. Ordinarily the upper mould- 

 ing would hold the top in place, but for 

 greater security against the unexpected, small 



