56 
Rustic Adornments . 
of such small dimensions, but it is a great inconvenience (at least, so we have 
found it) to keep up the hot water system in its integrity, and so for some 
years past we have given up that part of the business, and keep all our cases 
on what we may call the cool system. Having a heated fernery, of sufficient 
dimensions to constitute a “ fern-garden ” for tropical ferns, renders it the less 
necessary for us to maintain artificial heat in these cases. But we have long 
since agreed that those who have no heated fernery beyond the dwelling- 
house in which to grow tropical ferns, would do well to be content with 
managing their cases on the cool system, for the hot water system occasions 
considerable trouble, and if once commenced must be continued, or the risk 
to the ferns will be considerable. 
There are a great variety of styles of fern-cases in the market. In some 
the stand or base consists of wood, plain or ornamented, on which rest glass 
sides, ends, and top, connected by zinc or copper bars. The top or one of 
the sides is constructed so as to open and give access to the interior. Others 
consist entirely of zinc and glass, or have their bases of rusticated rock, 
earthenware, or bronzed metal. They vary considerably in shape, too. Some 
are rectangular and plain ; others oblong, with stands decorated with Minton 
tiles, and having gabled or curvilinear roofs; in fact, there is an infinite 
variety of styles, enough to suit all tastes. 
We have several rectangular cases in operation, but will describe only two ; 
and these two with sufficient fulness both to explain them as they stand for 
ornamental purposes, and also to illustrate in some measure the principles of 
furnishing and management. One of them measures four feet in length 
by two feet in breadth and height, and is fitted as represented in the sketch 
which accompanies this. The other is of less dimensions, and is fitted in 
the ordinary way, the surface being varied with bits of rock and miniature 
mounds, so as to display to the best advantage the various characters of the 
plants. What is of more importance is this, that the small case is filled with 
cucoa-nut-fibre refuse and charcoal alone, with a substratum of potsherds; the 
large case is filled with fibry peat, torn to shreds, and admixed with silver sand, 
with special preparation in some instances for particular plants. The 
behaviour of the ferns is very different in one case to what it is in the other. 
In both their growth is more than satisfactory, yet there is a decided 
difference. This is a very interesting fact, discoverable only by keeping two or 
more distinct collections in the two distinct kinds of soil for some time, and 
noting the difference, if any. In the cocoa-nut refuse the growth is surprisingly 
