CULTURE. 27 
soddening or continued wetness, as distinguished from 
mere dampness of the soil, the supply must be checked; 
for no ferns except the few which are naturally bog 
plants, will thrive in soil approaching this condition. 
Soft or at least aerated water should always be used, 
and the water used for syringing should be scrupulously 
clean, or the fronds will soon become disfigured by it. If 
the amount of dampness in the atmosphere is pro- 
ducing mouldiness in the fronds, give more air and less 
moisture until the tendency is checked. 
SITUATION. Pot ferns are best kept in a cool shady 
frame or pit. In such a place, they may stand during 
winter, with just enough water to prevent dryness of the 
soil, and no more ; and in such a place, the atmosphere 
being kept moist, by the free use of water, they will in 
summer reach their full perfection of growth. In winter 
nothing but watering occasionally need be clone, except 
covering just to exclude severe frosts. In summer no 
sunshine should smile upon the then growing plants, which 
must be shaded with scrupulous exactness if it is desired 
to preserve that delicacy of tint and texture which in 
the ferns are so much prized. In summer allow a free cir- 
culation of air, limited on the one hand, so that the tem- 
perature does not rise much beyond that of a shady wood ; 
and, on the other, so that the atmosphere does not 
become at all parched. Many of the strong-growing 
kinds, though more beautiful when kept in a pit or frame, 
do not absolutely require to be so treated, but may be set in 
a cool shady place out-doors ; and if so, the pots should 
be plunged as a protection to the roots against sudden 
drought. Most of the British ferns will bear a little 
moist heat, when they are making their growth ; but it 
must not be too high, nor should it be too long-continued. 
GLAZED CASES. The close-glazed cases invented by 
Mr. Ward are invaluable aids in fern-culture; and besides 
this, they are, when well filled with living plants, very 
instructive and suggestive ornaments in the comfortable 
parlours of the affluent. By their aid, too, the culture 
