128 Filmy Ferns in Cases and under Bell-glasses. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



FILMT FERNS IN CASES AND UNDER BELL-GLASSES. 



HIS is a class of Ferns ■well deserving a chaptei 

 all to themselves ; their delicate memhranoui 

 texture and love of shade and moisture requir 

 ing a mode of cultivation altogether different from th( 

 other kinds of ferns. Their fronds when held uj 

 between the eye and the light appear so delicately 

 transparent that their simple internal structure is 

 revealed to the naked eye more clearly than in anj 

 other kind. They cannot be cultivated in rooms unless 

 in a close, well-made case. The Warrington case ] 

 consider the most preferable. It differs from the 

 Wardian case in having the lower part filled with watej 

 combining a Fern case and Aquarium in one. The pre- 

 sence of water in the lower part causes a steady moisi 

 atmosphere which Filmy Ferns naturally delight in (set 

 illustration). It is only in a case of this description thai 

 they feel at home. In their natural haunts they love t< 

 creep among the dripping rocks near a waterfall where 

 shade and constant moisture is kept up ; so unless 

 you can contrive to keep up the same conditions o: 

 atmosphere there is little chance of your being success- 

 ful in their cultivation. They are so thin and delicate 

 that a few minutes' sunshine or dry air causes them t( 



