THE WARDIAN CASE. 



235 



Let us, however, regard ventilation as a necessity. The 

 Wardian case becomes a miniature green-house, and we 

 can grow almost any thing. Before, we were confined to' 

 ferns, because of all plants they bear a damp imprisonment 

 with wonderful patience ; but now the field is open for the 

 introduction of flowers of the choicest kinds, and by apply- 

 ing heat, the working department of plant propagation 

 may be carried on in-doors with success. In the design 

 of an oblong, rectangular case, graceful outlines may be 

 attained by the adoption of the following proportions : 



First, determine the general dimensions of your case ; then, 

 whatever is to be its length, let the width be nearly one 

 half. If from right to left it is to measure thirty-two 

 inches, let its breadth from back to front be fourteen or 

 fifteen. The height of the glass sides should be the same 



