88 
THE FERN WORLD 
bit of the Fern world, dewy with moisture, like the rocks 
near the foaming cascade, green like the moss-covered side 
of the boulder of a moorland stream, and fresh with the 
scent of the moorland air, sealed up and brought to our 
homes; and there placed on hall or study-table, in our 
drawing or our dining-rooms : perched, if you will, on 
windows with the dreariest outlook, hanging there as a 
refreshing reminder of the moorland and woodland. 
What are the especial contrivances by which these pleasant 
results can be produced? The tiny Fern house or case 
can be of any shape or size which the fancy or the disposable 
space of the cultivator will allow, subject to the requirements 
of the Ferns to be grown in it. It may be a ‘window- 
garden/ or glazed case, which entirely fills up any available 
window space. It may be a four- sided case with a flat, a 
round, or a pointed roof, either standing by itself or mounted 
upon a plain or ornamental stand or pedestal. The case 
may be octagonal, or many sided, similarly mounted. It 
may be a plain or ornamental Fern stand, covered by a glass 
shade or bell-glass, or it may be a simple and unpretending 
red earthenware pot, covered by shade or bell-glass. 
The most expensive, no less than the most unpretentious 
taste, can be indulged in selecting the mere form of the case ; 
but the simpler taste will be in better keeping with the 
exceeding beauty and gracefulness of the Ferns. As to the 
conditions of culture, however, Nature’s teaching must be 
followed as closely as possible. 
In Nature, for instance, Ferns are associated with stony 
substances. Hence, the best material for the bottom of 
a ease— the part which has to hold the roots of the 
Ferns — is slate or stone, and not wood or metal. Metal, in 
fact, is to be avoided as being likely prejudicially to affect 
the plants. Wood may be used if some material, such as 
pitch, for instance, be employed to make it water-tight and 
