CHAPTER YI. 
FERNERIES, WARDIAN CASES, &c. 
CCOMMODATION for Ferns in the way of 
specially-built Fern-bouses, &c., is, of course, 
a question of expense. Fortunately, however, 
for the subjects of our consideration, their 
culture is adapted to the shallowest pockets as 
well as to well-filled purses. In the first place, 
since, with two exceptions, they withstand any 
amount of frost with impunity, two great items 
of expense — viz., heating apparatus and fuel — 
are quite unnecessary. In the second place, in many parts 
of the country — i.e., in all parts where wild Ferns flourish, 
it is manifest that many varieties would do the like without 
any protection more than is afforded by congenial, shady 
nooks out of doors, under the shelter of trees, north walls, 
and so on; so that a fair collection can be made and kept 
in good condition without any expense beyond first cost of 
plants. A number, however, of the most delicate— ^.e., fragile — 
forms, though they will exist, and even thrive, under the 
same conditions as their tougher brethren, cannot develop 
their full beauty except they are thoroughly protected from 
the wind and rain. 
Wind, in all cases — by rubbing the delicate fronds together 
— is a fruitful source of damage, and really beautiful plants 
are never seen in exposed situations. Rain, on the other hand, 
