VARIOUS FANCY WAYS OF GROWING FFRNS. 163 



to prevent the drainage from becoming choked, all that remains to be done 

 is to fill the bottom of the case, to the depth of about 6in., with a mixture 

 of soil suitable to the kinds intended to be planted in it. If for Filmy Ferns — 

 Todeas, Hymenophyllums, and Trichomanes, mixed — a compost of two parts 

 peat, one part silver sand, and one of partly-decomposed sphagnum, will 

 satisfy all kinds with either crowns or slender, shining rhizomes which 

 delight in running into loose and decayed vegetable matter. If, however, the 

 case is intended to be filled exclusively with Trichomanes radicans, it will be 

 best to use, in equal proportions, peat and porous sandstone roughly 

 broken into pieces of various sizes ; to the latter substance the hairy rhizomes 

 cling with great tenacity, while the fleshy roots run freely amongst the 

 pieces, from which they derive all the nourishment they require. Should, 

 however, a commoner class of Ferns be intended to be grown in the case, 

 a mixture of two parts peat or leaf-mould, one part fibrous loam, and one 

 part silver sand, will be found the most satisfactory compost for the majority 

 of kinds used generally for planting in either Fern- or window-cases. In these, 

 as in Filmy Fern cases, a miniature rockery may, with equal success, be 

 prepared, and, the case being usually a fixture, there is no necessity for 

 cementing together the pieces of either tufa or natural stone used in its 

 construction. Provided that these be firmly embedded in the soil, they need 

 only be stood up, and their base may with advantage be planted with 

 small pieces of the dwarf-growing form of Ficus repens called minima, which 

 in time covers them, and which may very easily be kept within bounds by 

 occasional pruning. Some small-growing Selaginellas may also be planted in 

 close proximity to the stones, whence they will extend and cover the 

 surface of the ground'; and by paying a little attention to them, overcrowding 

 may always be easily avoided. 



Next to the Fern-case of oblong shape comes the octagonal structure, 

 and then the plain glass shade, which may be procured of various heights and 

 dimensions, so as to suit plants of different sizes and habits ; but, in all cases, 

 the mode of planting the Ferns and their treatment afterwards are the same. 

 These consist in the dispensation of proper light, ventilation, and judicious 

 waterings. As regards the light, it is advisable, whenever possible, to have 

 the Fern -case placed as near the window as practicable, and have it shaded 

 from the sun when necessary. When the case is devoted to Filmy Ferns, 



