FERN-CASES. 



99 



difficult than that of the larger cases of wood or 

 iron. It will often be enough to tilt the shade up 

 on one side by inserting a chip under it, so that a 

 little air may be admitted. An excellent plan, as 

 the writer can certify from trial, is suggested by 

 Shirley Hibberd : — 



" In the case of fern-shades which fit into glass dishes, 

 and which, as long as there is water lodged in the rim into 

 which the lower edge of the shade rests, are air-tight, air 

 must be given three times a week by removing the shade 

 altogether for an hour or so. This allows the excess of 

 water to dry off the foliage, and prevents mould; and, the 

 glass getting dry in the mean while, it is prepared to take up 

 afresh supply of moisture from the soil when replaced, which 

 is equivalent to a circulation of water as well as a change 

 of air. This air-giving, however, must be regulated by dis- 

 cretion ; for, if the air of the room is hot and dry, sudden 

 exposure of the plants to it may do them harm. Moreover, 

 it is a very easy matter to remove the glass, and forget it, 

 the result being perhaps complete destruction of all the more 

 tender fronds, and the disfigurement of the affair for a fort- 

 night. Now, a very simple and expeditious and effectual 

 mode of ventilating consists in taking off the glass, wiping it 

 dry and bright, and replacing it at once. There is then no 

 fear of forgetting it." 



Fernery-bases may be made of any required size 

 and depth at almost any pottery ; and if, like a 

 flower-pot, they have holes pierced in the bottom, 

 and are fitted with saucers, their contents may be 

 treated exactly like potted ferns in the greenhouse. 

 They are more clumsy in appearance, but have 



