The Fernery at the Fireside. 49 



lected for weeks together. Asplenium marinum, the 

 sea spleenwort; Doodia caudata, Scolopendrium vulgare 

 ramo-marginaium, a tasselled variety of hartstongue; 

 Asplenium viride, the green spleenwort; Adiantum 

 setulosum, Lomaria lanceolata. 



Let us now consider the Fern case proper, and first 

 as to how it should be made. 



Elegance is a prime requisite, but as tastes differ we 

 shall say but little on that point. The lighter the 

 structure consistent with safety the better. We do 

 meet with very ugly fern cases at times, and the ferns 

 within them are usually in a bad state of health. The 

 fact is, heavy framework and cumbrous ornaments 

 obstruct the light, and therefore ugly fern cases are, 

 as a rule, to be condemned for that reason, if for no 

 other. 



A simple rectangular figure as indicated in the simple 

 sketch annexed is undoubtedly the best for all general 

 purposes; moreover, this box-like form may be 

 made the basis of an elaborate design : out of it may 

 rise a miniature mosque or a Crystal Palace, as I have 

 shown by figures in the chapter on Pern cases in 

 " Rustic Adornments." A figure of the best fern case 

 we have ever had was published in the 1st volume of 

 the " Floral World ;" it is a handsome case made of 

 Ransome's imperishable stone, surmounted by a tall 

 lantern. 



At every step in designing and constructing it must 

 be borne in mind that ferns are to be grown in the 

 case, and, therefore, it must afford access to light and 

 air, and egress for water. 



