52 Ferns and Fern Culture. 
peat may be used, but this looks clumsy compared with 
the other. The wood-moss, or sphagnum, if in good 
condition, and placed green side out, will often grow, 
adding’ materially to the appearance of the basket. 
When the Ferns are planted, the centre should be 
lower than the sides, otherwise when water is given it 
will run off instead of through the soil. 
There are many beautiful Ferns suitable for this style 
of culture, a list of which is given further on. If small 
Ferns and Selaginella are planted in the sides and 
bottom of the basket the appearance is improved. 
59) 
Basket READY TO BE PLANTED. 
HANGING BLOCKS OF VIRGIN CORK. 
To prepare these, various sizes of slightly-curved or 
semi-tubular pieces should be selected ; copper tacks, one 
inch long; thin copper wire, like thread, to secure the 
plants on the cork, and thicker copper wire for sus- 
pending the blocks; some large flakes of moss and 
ordinary open compost, such as is recommended for 
Davallias. The piece of cork should be laid ornamental 
side down; copper tacks should be driven into it just 
below the edges, two inches apart. One large or several 
pieces of moss must then be laid on the cork, green side 
down, a little compost put upon it, and the Ferns put in 
position. The whole should be pressed firmly down, the 
