MR. ward’s FRRN-HOUSE. 
Such a structm-e, as the accompanying figure represents, is in truth, a Wardian Case on a large 
scale. For all the greenhouse species nothing is better adapted than the modifications of the ordinary 
Wardian Case, of a size suitable to occupy convenient positions near the windows, in drawing rooms, on 
staircase landings, and similar situations; or, if it be preferred, that modification of the Wardian 
Case to which the name of Warington Case is applied (in which aquatic botany and zoology is 
brought within the domestic range) may be ado^hed. The principle of' the Warington Case is 
exemplified in the accompanying figure, which shows how, in some measure, the two objects may 
be combined. 
Wardian Cases arc very easily managed. For the sake of durability the case should have a metallic 
box fitted within for the soil and roots; and this should have an outlet — to be closed at pleasure — at 
the lower part communicating with the outside, by which all superfluous water may be drained off 
whenever water is applied. But for this it would be impossible to avoid the presence of stagnant 
water, which is most injurious to vegetation generallJ^ Then a scries of reversed flower-pots, and a 
layer of small lumps of old brick or freestone, from the size of an egg upwards, should be spread over 
the bottom, and on this six inches or more of the rougher turfy or himpj- parts of soil, well mixed with 
pure silver sand and smaller fragments of brick or burnt clay, in the proportion of about one-third. 
The soil is to be placed on this foundation. It should consist of equal parts of good mellow’ maiden 
GENERAL HINTS ON FERN CULTURE. 
the Ferns are so much prized. The accompanying vignette of Mr. Ward’s Fern-house, shows some- 
thing of the effect -which is produced by jflaiTts disposed in this semi-natural -w’ay, although in this 
instance other plants are seen to accompany the Ferns. 
