234 THE WARDIAN CASE. 



turned out to be a fern and a grass. His interest was 

 awakened; he placed the bottle in a favorable situation, 

 and found that the plants continued to grow, and main- 

 tain a healthy appearance. On questioning himself about 

 the matter, the answers readily presented themselves, inas- 

 much as air, light, moisture, and the other - requirements 

 of the plants, were contained within the bottle. This 

 was the first Wardian case. 



The experiment was extended ; the case was shown to 

 be self-supporting, and admirably adapted to some kinds 

 of plants. Further experiment showed that while the 

 Wardian case, as an air-tight structure, was in many cases 

 a success, yet for a great proportion of plants a change of 

 air is necessary, and thus at the present time the Wardian 

 case is simply a green-house on a small scale, ventilation 

 and heat being provided according to the requirements of 

 the plants grown. 



In a close case some ferns will live and flourish; others 

 will maintain their beauty for a time, and then perish. 



In a close case it is impossible to raise flowering plants 

 of any kind, and whatever may be grown in such a struc- 

 ture will be more or less drawn, spindling, and sickly. The 

 glass will usually be in a semi-opaque condition, from 

 excessive condensation of moisture. 



