WAKDIAN CASES AND FERNERIES. 43 



leaf, coming out only at night, or during dark days. Some culti- 

 vators advise thoroughly saturating the soil with boiling water 

 before planting the case, thereby destroying all insect growth. I 

 have never resorted to this expedient, but think it would be advisa- 

 ble to do so. 



In conclusion, to be successful in the management of our ivinter 

 garden (which I think is a more suitable term than Wardian case), 

 give plenty of light and heat during the day, the mercury ranging 

 from 60° upwards, and not falling below 40° during the night ; 

 ventilate an hour or more each day, and do not give too much 

 water, having it warm when applied. Much more might be said 

 on this subject if time would allow, and other examples might be 

 given of cases planted for summer culture. There is also much to 

 be said about the arrangement and management of Ferneries 

 which I hope to give at some time not far distant. 



Discussion. 



C. M. Hovey said that Mr. Halliday's paper was so full that it 

 was, perhaps, hardly worth while to go over the ground again. As 

 he says, the general management, in regard to air, watering, light, 

 etc., is of the highest importance. The question is'often asked of 

 dealers, by purchasers of plants, how often to water. Beginners 

 frequently water plants too little, merely sprinkling the surface of 

 the ground, and the plants damp off, not from too much moisture, 

 but from dryness ; the collar, which should be dry is kept wet. 

 Mr, Hovey hoped that Mr. Halliday's paper would lead to the cul- 

 tivation of the plants which he recommended. A mistake made 

 by novices in planting Wardian cases is to want them as full at 

 the start as they should be after six months' growth. They want 

 to see the ground covered immediately. Mr. Hovey said that he 

 had read nearly everything that had been published on Wardian 

 cases, and that this essa}' of Mr. Halliday's showed his familiarity^ 

 with the subject. 



The Chairman remarked that there were many beautiful plants 

 and flowers on exhibition ; among others, some forced lilacs, in 

 regard to which the question had been raised whether or not 

 they were the Persian lilac. 



Mr. Hovey said that they were either the old lilac or some 

 hybrid, and not the Persian. Mr. Calder who brought those ex- 



