FERNS AT HOME 
89 
protect the woody surface from mildew and decay. A 
simple form of earth-box for the bottom of the case is 
best, and the depth of this trough or box will vary accord- 
ing to the size of the case and the required depth of 
soil. 
There must first be drainage made, as in the case of the 
Fern pot, by the provision of holes in the bottom for the 
escape of surplus water, and by the laying in, along the 
bottom over the holes, of small broken crocks, or pieces of 
soft brick, intermingled with a few little pieces of charcoal. 
Upon the drainage must be placed the compost for growing 
the Ferns. Any form of miniature rockwork may be built up 
over the drainage, and the same rules must be observed for 
planting and watering as have already been laid down in 
the case of the Fern house. Ventilation should be provided 
also, as in the case of the Fern house, in the roof ; and this 
may best be done by inserting a piece of perforated zinc. 
The glass case, or covering, which can be made to fit into 
the stand either in a room prepared for it, or in any other 
way, should open at the top, as well as at the sides, so as to 
admit of watering with a small hose, or the fine rose of a 
watering-pot, and of removing any dead fronds when neces- 
sary. The ventilating zinc-holes will preserve a better equili- 
brium between the temperature inside, and that immediately 
surrounding the case, and will prevent to a large extent 
the obscuration of the glass, and consequently of the Ferns 
by condensed vapour on the inside, caused by the contact of 
the colder external air with the outside surface of the glass. 
In the disposition of Ferns in a case the plants must be 
arranged upon low or elevated surfaces, according to their 
natural habits, and there must be no crowding together of 
individuals. The cultivator, in fact, should study to imitate 
in miniature under glass the conditions of growth which are 
found successful in the open garden, or bank, or rockery. 
