28 CULTURE. 
of a few plants, and none better adapt themselves to 
this treatment than the ferns may be made to throw a 
gleam of satisfaction across the often cheerless path of 
the town-imprisoned poor. There is no obstacle except 
that of size to prevent all our British ferns being grown 
in glass cases suitable to occupy the window of a living- 
room ; and all the smaller species are admirably suited 
for such a structure. 
The form of a Wardian case, and of the stand which sup- 
ports it, may be various; but its principle, so far as our 
present subject is concerned, is, that a closely- glazed cover- 
ing surrounding the plants, shall admit of the supply of the 
necessary moisture in the atmosphere in which they are kept, 
which cannot be the case in the ordinary atmosphere of 
a living-room. Such cases should be nearly air-tight, 
but need not be strictly so ; indeed, it is better to have 
them provided with means of ventilation to be used in 
moderation. The bottom of the case should be a deep zinc 
or other metal tray, through which the moisture cannot 
penetrate : this for the sake of cleanliness. At its lowest 
part a vent should be provided, which vent is to be kept 
stopped by a plug or valve, except when it is required 
to let off the superfluous moisture after watering. In this 
tray a miniature rock should be built with sand-stone and 
cement ; the ferns planted on it, and watered. The case 
may then be closed, and need not be opened, except for 
an hour occasionally if there is any symptom of too 
much moisture, until the plants are thoroughly established. 
When they begin to grow, it may be opened for an hour 
daily. The soil must not be suffered to get wet ; it should 
be only just moist. When the plants get too large, or 
require re-arrangement, they may be taken up, divided 
and replanted, or young plants substituted. This is best 
done in spring just before growth recommences. 
HARDY FERNERY. An out-door fernery should occupy 
a shady position, in the neighbourhood of water. It 
should consist mainly of natural or artificial rock, on 
which the ferns may be planted, with water here in mimic 
