Ferns and Fern Culture. virk 
WINDOW BOXES. 
‘Windows may be greatly improved in appearance by 
boxes of more or less ornamental character placed upon 
the sills, and filled with plants. The position of some 
windows is not at all suitable for flowering plants, but 
shade-loving Ferns would grow there very nicely. The 
boxes, if made of wood, should be as wide and deep as 
the. position will allow, and be covered with virgin cork, 
so that the ordinary wood is entirely hidden from all 
points of view, inside and out. They should have holes 
burnt through the bottom to allow the water to drain 
away. They should be raised about an inch from the 
sill, to allow a circulation of air underneath, which will 
add to their durability. 
A layer of crocks at the bottom, a covering of moss or 
leaves, and the same kind of compost recommended for 
outdoor ferneries, will be all that is necessary. A list of 
suitable Ferns is given further on. When the Ferns are 
planted they should be well watered. They will require 
this frequently, as the body of soil not being large will 
soon become dry, especially in hot weather. Very pretty 
window gardens may easily be prepared in this manner, 
and maintain an attractive appearance. 
WINDOW CASES. 
These are made on the principle of the window hence. 
with glass all round ‘and above, thus enclosing and pro- 
tecting. the plants from winds, storms, dust, and other 
adverse influences to which those in simple window 
boxes are exposed. The cases being built against the 
window access is obtained by lifting the sash. This may 
be raised the greater part of the day, but closed when 
necessary to prevent ‘dust settling upon the plants; also 
when the ‘room berate hot from the burning of gas or 
from other cause: ' 
During severé weather, if the sash be raised, the warmth 
of the room will help to keep the plants free from frost. 
The Ferns may either be planted in soil or kept in pots. 
When in the latter they will need water more frequently 
than when planted out, as the soil in a pot dries more 
quickly than a larger body filling the bottom of the case. 
Tf exposed to the sun the case must be shaded at al 
times when there is risk of the Ferns being scorched. 
