49 
The Fernery at the Fireside. 
lected for weeks together. Asplenium marinum , the 
sea spleen wort; Doodia caudata, Scolopendrium vulgare 
rarno -marginatum, a tasselled variety of hartstongue; 
Asplenium viride, the green spleenwort ; Adiantum 
setulosum, Lomaria lanceolata . 
Let us now consider the Fern case proper, and first 
as to how it should be made. 
Elegance is a prime requisite, but as tastes differ we 
shall say but little on that point. The lighter the 
structure consistent with safety the better. We do 
meet with very ugly fern cases at times, and the ferns 
within them are usually in a bad state of health. The 
fact is, heavy framework and cumbrous ornaments 
obstruct the light , and therefore ugly fern cases are, 
as a rule, to be condemned for that reason, if for no 
other. 
A simple rectangular figure as indicated in the simple 
sketch annexed is undoubtedly the best for all general 
purposes ; moreover, this box-like form may be 
made the basis of an elaborate design : out of it may 
rise a miniature mosque or a Crystal Palace, as I have 
shown by figures in the chapter on Fern cases in 
“ Rustic Adornments.” A figure of the best fern case 
we have ever had was published in the 1st volume of 
the “Floral World;” it is a handsome case made of 
Ransomers imperishable stone, surmounted by a tall 
lantern. 
At every step in designing and constructing it must 
be borne in mind that ferns are to be grown in the 
case, and, therefore, it must afford access to light and 
air, and egress for water. 
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