THE BRISTLE FERN 
24 1 
the soil, so that they may be firmly pressed against it, and 
yet he left lying on it. Then they must be watered 
gently, until the whole of the compost is thoroughly 
moistened, after which the glass covering must be put on, 
and kept close for some time. Air will very seldom need to 
be given, and water only occasionally, because the almost 
hermetically- closed glass will keep in the moisture. We have 
found it an excellent plan to put the Fern in a small pan, 
with a bell glass over it, and to cover the latter with a 
second and larger glass. This is a most effectual method of 
keeping in the moisture. The case- containing it should 
always be kept in semi -darkness, and if all these conditions 
are observed this exquisite Fern may be grown with the 
most perfect success. 
