THE EUROPEAN BRISTLE FERN. 295 
bell-glasses. They like warmth and succeed well under a glass in a 
shady part of a plant stove orgreenhouse. The following method of 
planting has been found suitable both for the Trichomanes and the 
kindred Hymenophyllum :—Procure some porous freestone in large 
masses, sufficient to form when placed together a rugged mass occu- 
pying a broad shallow pan or other convenient vessel, which as the 
plants are not readily removed, should be rather large than other- 
wise. Let the bottom of this be well drained with broken potsherds, 
and the stone placed so as to lie firmly, but somewhat elevated in 
the centre of the pan. Fill the interspaces with silver sand, and 
nodules of turfy peat, and with incorrosive wire, fix the caudex of the 
plant firmly to the surface, adding a little more sand and finishing 
by a thorough but gentle watering. If necessary the fronds must be 
supported in a firm position by means of some small stakes, so that 
the caudex may not be disturbed. This being completed, place a 
glass cover over the plant, and remove it to a shady place, either in 
a stove or greenhouse, or in a sitting room. After this, all that is 
required is frequent, or, indeed, almost daily, light sprinklings of 
water. 
Mr. Andrews of Dublin, has been very successful in managing 
this plant. In September, 1841, a case was prepared purposely for 
cultivating it; the bottom was lined with zinc, and the frame- 
work covered with oiled lawn; the specimens were then planted in 
well drained pots in a compost of loam and coarse sand, interspersed 
with pieces of turf. Other plants were suspended across the roof 
of the case, the stems. being attached to rods covered with moss. 
The plants were kept cool, and were well moistened daily. By 
October, 1843, the entire case was filled with fronds of large 
and strong growth. 
Mr. N. B. Ward, also, has for many years cultivated this species 
with entire success, even amidst the smoke of London, in his closed. 
cases; and fine examples of cultivated Trichomanes are now not rare. 
Mr. Ward in his interesting book on the growth of plants in Wardian 
cases, describes a remarkable instance of success in the management 
of this plant. He observes*: “The finest specimen of Tricho- 
manes in cultivation of which I have any cognisance, is oné in the 
* Ward, on The Growth of Plants in closely glazed Cases, 2 ed. 39. 

