284 The Wardian Case. 



Echites nutans, Nepenthes distillatoria, Ccphalotus follicularis, Gymnogramna 

 chrysophylla, Gymnogramna Peruviana, Correas, Achimenes. 



The following I have frequently introduced into the Case while in bud, 

 and they have bloomed beautifully, the flowers remaining a long time in 

 perfection : Dendrobium nobile, Phajus grandifolius, Lcelia anceps, Lcelia 

 acuminata, Goodyera discolor, Epidendrum Stamfordiaiium, Epidendrum 

 cochleatum, Cypripedium villosum, C;pripedium barbatuju, Cypripedium bar- 

 batmn superbum, Cypripedium Hookerce, Cypripedium concolor, Cypripedium 

 Fairrieanum. Stems, however, of Deiidrobiums and Fhajus, in bud, cut 

 off from the plants and placed in the Case, flower as well as when the plants 

 themselves are introduced. I had one stem of D. nobile with forty buds 

 put in about Christmas, and every bud expanded into a lovely flower. The 

 foliage of many of the Cypripedia is very beautiful ; but the rarer species 

 are too valuable to risk long in the Case. A fine plant of C. vcnustum, 

 which produces eight or ten flowers yearly in December, I leave in the 

 Case all winter, on account of its attractive foliage ; and no harm 

 seems to result to the plant, as it continues vigorous under three years' 

 treatment of this kind. I have half a dozen large plants of C. insigne, 

 which, by judicious management, are made to bloom in succession from 

 November to March. Of course, I have one plant in flower in the Case 

 always. 



I must not fail to advertise Peperotnia maculosa, one of the neatest and 

 most beautiful of ornamental foliaged plants, as suitable for the Case. 

 Hibiscus Cooperi is quite gay and lively in foliage. I have it in my Case 

 now on trial. 



All cut flowers are preserved unusually long in the Case. Camellias I 

 have often kept in unimpaired beauty two and even three weeks ; but they 

 give too artificial an aspect to the Case ; while all the flowers of Orchids are 

 more suitable, and harmonize better with the combination of living plants, 

 which should be the chief charm of a Wardian Case. Nothing should be 

 allowed to eclipse or conflict with the living, vegetating sentiment which 

 should prevail. All appearance of trickery should be carefully avoided ; 

 and cut flowers should be introduced with judgment, and only as they may 

 seem to be actually growing in the Case, and in perfect harmony with the 

 surroundings. 



