WINDOW GARDENIXQ. 
165 
tionable. The best rule to observe is as follows : Ferns, whose fronds are not over 
eight inches in length, should be planted in a pan four inches in depth. Larger 
ferns may require a pan five to six inches in depth, but four inches will generally 
be found sufficient for all purposes. 
Those who try the shallow and deep pans will soon find how much more freely 
their plants grow when plenty of space is allowed for their roots. A side open- 
ing to the glass case is to be preferred in all cases, whether bj' hinged doors or 
sliding panes. This avoids reaching in at the top of the fern case, which, besides 
being extremely awkward, often results in the breaking of the fronds or the 
leaves. 
The height of the case is an impor- 
tant point. Under glass, a plant or i 
develop a greater 
fern, will often develop a 
length of frond, than under any dif- 
ferent circumstances. Make your cases 
high, so that all fronds may have room 
to develop and expand to full size ; and 
the height should not be less than 
twice the diameter. In cramped 
quarters, and cases chosen perhaps too 
small, filled witii too robust plants, 
their growth is often summarily • — i — \W^ 
checked by reaching the top of the . I . ^ ^^^^^ ^:\^\„^-_-^.^-., 
glass ; there the fronds with no chance / ^■^'M " "" ' 
to get higher, lie flattened out against '^^^^^ 
the surface of the glass collecting an' 
undue amount of moisture, which 
soon causes it to mould or damp off. 
It becomes unsightly, and the beauty 
of many rare and fine looking speci- 
mens is endangered. 
The forms and construction of fern ■ 
cases will differ with the tastes of each ■ 
individual. AVe do not recommend at- 
tempts at " home made " cases, on the pig. 45.-Fern8 in a window Garden. 
side of mere econom}'', for there are now cases already prepared for use, at so cheap 
prices, and obtainable at proper places, that it is a waste of time to make one 
yourself. Very desirable cases are now imported, constructed of bases of pottery, 
with dishes all complete, and the glass shade ready to fit upon tho top — only 
wanting the soil and the plants from the florist. Very good cases are also made 
of wood bases, and the cost for either will not exceed ^3 for circular cases 12 
«iches in diameter, to $6 or $10 for 18 inches to 2 ft. in diameter. 
The larger your case, the better, provided it is not too bulky. It should be in 
form easily handled, light in weight; and if square, or in any other foiin than 
