236 THE WARDIAN CASE. 



as the breadth of the case. Then to roof it, let the 

 summit of the roof be formed of four sloping sides, 

 surmounted by a flat top ; and let the flat top be as much 

 above the edges of the four sides as half the height of 

 those sides ; then you will have an angular object, pos- 

 sessing as much grace as can be infused into the simple 

 rectangular design. One side of the top should be fixed 

 on hinges, so as to give occasional ventilation. The 

 material for the frame may be metal or wood. 



Now, it will be better to have a stand made expressly for 

 it, with four legs, and an elliptical arch of fretted work, to 

 break the monotony of straight lines. The stand may be 

 varied very much to suit individual taste ; light work is 

 more suitable than heavy carving. Of course, the prin- 

 ciples of art may be applied to glass structures in many 

 ways, so as to insure grace of outline. 



The above has only been given by way. of example; 

 every variation may be adopted, but it may be remarked 

 that imitations of villas, temples, with many corners, and 

 fancy convolutions, or any intricate design that may be 

 adopted for a Wardian case, is more likely to produce 

 puerility than grace. Let the form be simple, and the 

 proportions symmetrical, and you will not hereafter fail 

 to be pleased with your work. 



