164 



THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. 



these are all the better if placed near the window with a north aspect, where, 

 although receiving a good deal of light, which shows their transparency to 

 great advantage, the sun never troubles them. When grown in a room, 

 they require but very little ventilation ; and, unless there happen to be an 

 excess of condensed moisture, it is best to keep the case closed, for, if exposed 

 for any length of time to the influence of the dry air of a dwelling-room, 

 the delicate fronds soon shrivel up, and are eventually destroyed. Should 

 there be, however, any accumulation of condensed moisture on the glass, it 

 is well to give a little air ; but the case should be closed again as soon as the 

 glass is dry. When filled with other Ferns of mixed characters, the case 

 requires a greater amount of ventilation ; and, when thoroughly established 

 in it, the plants derive much benefit from a change of air, which should be 

 frequently given with a view to preventing the glass from becoming dim and 

 slimy through the condensation of moisture upon it. Watering is an operation 

 which, in connection with Fern-cases, requires a certain amount of tact, and 

 for which no hard-and-fast rule can possibly be laid down ; but it is essential 

 to point out that a great deal of irreparable mischief is frequently the result 

 of a too liberal use of the watering-pot. After being planted in the case, the 

 Ferns should be watered gently until the soil is uniformly damp, and the case 

 being then closed, no more water will be required until the surface of the 

 soil gets dry, when a gentle watering over the ground only, as before, should 

 be given to the extent required ; but, in any case, it is most advisable to 

 keep the foliage of the plants dry. 



Among other fancy ways of growing Ferns, one of the most popular is in 

 suspended baskets, which, though sometimes made of wood or cane, are usually 

 made of galvanised wire. These baskets are lined with fresh, living moss ; 

 this, being firmly pressed against the sides, is sufficient to retain the soil, 

 in which the Ferns should be planted a little below the surface of the wire, 

 so as to allow sufficient room for the water to permeate the whole ball. 

 When baskets are planted too high, the difficulties in keeping the Ferns in 

 good order are greatly increased, and nothing short of frequently-repeated 

 soakings will answer ; whereas, if filled only below the level of the rim, ' 

 ordinary waterings, with occasional dippings, will be found quite sufficient to 

 keep the plants in good condition at the roots. Baskets manufactured of cork 

 bark may also be made very ornamental and rustic, and should be treated in 



