392 
FERN'S: BRITISH AND FOREIGN. 
now completed, the soil must be brought to a uni- 
form state of moisture ; this is best accomplished by 
two or three moderate waterings at intervals of half 
an hour, and when thoroughly drained, the case may 
be closed and placed in position. To make cases, 
ornamental pieces of marble, shells, &c., are often 
introduced ; but this should not be tolerated, as they 
do not harmonize with the occupants of such a 
structure. 
For HymenopJtylla it is necessary they should be 
sprinkled overhead occasionally ; to enable this to be 
done, the tops of all small cases should be moveable, 
and in large ones a hinged pane is required. A 
sponge, or small thumb-pots filled with water and 
placed out of sight, will greatly assist in keeping a 
moist atmosphere, which is so essential for the health 
of these filmy-leaved plants. If the cases stand in a 
room where a fire is regularly kept in the winter, a 
great many tropical species may be grown, and in 
situations where they stand exposed, such as balcony 
windows, halls, &c\, care must be taken, as winter 
approaches, that the soil does not become frozen, 
such being very detrimental to even the hardiest 
Ferns. Hot bricks and bottles filled with hot 
water have been resorted to as a preventive against 
frost, as also for maintaining a proper temperature 
for tropical species ; but unless the bottom of the 
case is constructed for that purpose, and arrangements 
made for this mode of heating, to be strictly and 
regularly attended to, it had better be dispensed with. 
Should the case be exposed to the direct rays of the 
sun during the summer, it must be shaded, and 
care taken that the temperature inside does not 
