10 
THE BOOK OF 
blind is requisite. When the frame is well protected from the 
sun, the sides of it may be profitably utilised by nailing 6-inch 
slips of wood at an angle of 45 0 along them so as to form troughs, 
or, better slid, a few galvanised iron brackets screwed on at the 
same angle will support 6-inch ridge slates used for roofs to form 
imperishable troughs of the same size. These being drained and 
fliled with good soil are extremely handy for young seedlings, 
and take up practically no room. The planting of these frames is 
a simple matter, and if desired pots can be sunk in tire soil as 
well, though it must not be forgotten that the roots are very apt 
to penetrate the soil and get broken off if the pots be shifted. 
Also, bear in mind the warning about close planting; it is not a 
jungle which is wanted, but rows of pretty plants with unhindered 
development of their individual variations. 
Wardian Cases and Bell Glasses. 
Wardian cases, with which may be classed bell glasses, are 
practically indoor frames, and the same remarks as to drainage 
and protection from hot sun apply. To secure such drainage in 
these cases, the zinc-lined receptacle for soil has usually an outlet 
provided with a tap, and the first thing to do when preparing the 
case is to place plenty of pieces of broke pots in the bottom of it 
in an open layer 2 inches deep, rough peat or fibry moss sir uld 
be scattered over this, and the receptacle then filled and heaped 
with peaty, loamy compost, well lightened with silver sand. The 
surface may subsequently, and with advantage, be converted into 
a miniature rockery, in the chinks of which small growing species, 
such as the Spleenworts, dwarf Hart’s-tongues, &c., will do well. 
The Filmy Ferns are, however, best of all for case culture, as 
especially referred to elsewhere. In any case, a good north light 
is requisite, and plenty of it, since without a sufficiency of this 
vital item the Ferns are sure to get drawn up and lose both 
health and beauty. Ferns in cases or bell-glasses arranged on 
like lines require very little watering, since the moisture 
condenses on the glass, and, running down, returns to the soil. If 
no gas be used it is well — for all Ferns but Filmies to give a fair 
amount of ventilation, and in any event care must be taken that 
the soil does not become sodden and sour through, retention 
of stagnant water. Very pretty effects can be obtained by simply 
bedding small Ferns in pots in cocoanut fibre instead of planting 
into soil, this plan permits of sh fting from time to time as growth 
proceeds. Wardian cases also form perfectly congenial nurseries 
for young Ferns of all sorts, from the beginning of their existence 
until they outgrow their room. 
