238 
HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS. 
metal frame, and closed in by a glass lid or cover. Tins 
would require to be supported on a stand. On the bottom 
of the interior, or projecting from the sides, proportionate- 
sized masses of coral or other rocks should be introduced, 
among which a little soil introduced would serve to fix 
and nourish the plants. Thus the smaller aquatic plants 
might, though in their proper element, be examined with- 
out difficulty, and at all times. 
The proper situation for such a case would be the inside 
of any convenient window, provided it were not too much 
exposed to the heat of the sun ; for if placed where the 
sun would have much influence on the temperature of the 
water, the plants would probably suffer. On this account, 
we believe, the best aspect would be the north ; and in 
such a situation, by carrying a ledge of rock just above the 
water-surface, inside the case, a situation would be pro- 
vided which would of all others best suit the beautiful and 
delicate Bristle Fern and the Film Ferns. Some of the 
very small kinds of fish and the small aquatic molluscs 
might be introduced with advantage, and they would 
impart something like animation to the water. A minia- 
ture aquarium of this kind, planted with the Vallisneria 
and other aquatics, and the Trichomanes and other Ferns, 
