Popular Ways of Growing Ferns. 
61 
to tlie stones, whence tliey will extend and 
cover the surface of the ground. A less pre- 
tentious case is the octagonal structure ; while 
plain glass shades may be procured of various 
heights and dimensions, so as to suit plants of 
different sizes and habits. In all cases, the mode of 
planting and after-treatment are the same. When- 
ever possible, the Fern-case should be placed as 
near the window as practicable, and should be shaded 
from the sun when necessary. Filmy Ferns are all 
the better if placed near a window with a north 
aspect, where, although receiving a good deal of 
light, which shows their transparency to great ad- 
vantage, 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 con- 
densed 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 con- 
densed moisture on the glass, it is well to give a 
little air : but the case should be closed asrain 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 thorouo^hly 
established in it, the Dlants 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 requires a certain amount of 
tact, and no hard-and-fast rule can possibly be laid 
down; but a great deal of irreparable mischief 
frequently results from 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. In any case, it is most advisable to keep 
the foliage of the plants dry. 
