4 
BRITISH FERNS . 
Trichomanes brevisetum, or Hymenophyilnni ), as the 
natural tendency of the plants to creep towards the 
light would thereby be increased. An important 
point in the success of a fern-case is the removal of 
dead or decaying portions, as they soon spread, and 
produce disease in the whole case. 
It will be found that all species of ferns will net 
grow well together, requiring, as they do, in some 
cases different treatment. A case may be specially 
devoted to shade-loving ferns, such as Hymenophyllum 
and Trichomanes , and sheltered from the light by a 
gauze covering, or coloured glass; but this is best 
learned by studying the natural habits of each indi¬ 
vidual species, and as far as possible imitating their 
accustomed conditions. 
To those who are fortunate enough to live away 
from the smoke and noise of great cities, an open air 
fernery will afford much delight. To such we would 
say, choose a sheltered and shady situation—if under 
the defence of a wall the better—and one looking 
north or west. Make up your raised bed with a light 
soil, largely intermixed with frequent rough porous 
stones. Front it with rock-work, wherein to fix, 
especially, the smaller and wall kinds; the larger and 
more feathery being of course placed behind in the 
bed itself. Set them not in too closely together, and 
remember that those having creeping roots will often 
extend themselves, and reappear in adjacent spots. 
If the ground slopes too much, many are inclined to 
