Ferns and Fern Culture. 51 
the highly-ornamental wire basket, and the plainer kinds 
of galvanised wire; the square wood and the terra-cotta 
baskets, such as are often used for orchids. 
The very ornamental ones are often difficult -to deal 
with, and they have also a tendency to look artificial, 
and not in character with the plants. The plain, gal- 
vanised baskets, with stiff suspending wires, are for 
some reasons preferable. The wooden ones, when not 
too heavy, look still better and more rustic ; the terra- 
cotta are sometimes passable, and at others objectionable. 
BaSKET WITH FERNS PLANTED. 
Individual taste must decide the kind to be used; so far 
as the Ferns are concerned all are much alike to them. 
The best material wherewith to line the baskets is 
green wood-moss, in as large thick flakes as can be 
procured. The nextis living sphagnum. A good thick 
lining should be placed in large baskets, and a few large 
pieces of charcoal, to partially fill the basket, so that it 
will not be so heavy as if filled entirely by soil. Smaller 
baskets will require less moss and will do without 
charcoal. If moss is not procurable, pieces of fibrous 
