TRANSPORTATION OF SEEDS. 



349 



the sides f of an inch thick, is also suitable for the purpose. In the box 

 may be put alternate layers of earth and seeds, the whole being pressed 

 firmly together. Seeds enveloped in wax sent from India germinated 

 well. They had been kept for three months, and were quite firm and 

 fresh. Spanish Chestnuts and Filberts have been sent enveloped in 

 wax to the Himalaya, and are now growing there. Cuttings of fruit- 

 trees, with their ends enveloped in wax, were also sent, and arrived in 

 a living state. In this way also, apples, pears, and plums have been 

 sent. Living plants are best transported in Wardian Cases (fig. 622), 

 and seeds and fruits may also be put in the earth of the Cases. When 

 plants are sent in pots the Case may be divided into separate com- 

 partments, as shown in fig. 623, each compartment containing only 



Fig. 622. 



Fig. 623. 



Fig. 624. 



one pot (fig. 624). The pots should be enveloped in moss, and they 

 should be kept in their place by means of fine galvanised iron-wire. 

 The bottom of the Case should be perforated with six or eight holes, in 

 order to allow the escape of superfluous moisture. Strong white cotton 

 may be used in sokie instances for covering the Case in- place of glass ; 

 the cotton to be moistened from time to time during transit. 



M. Alphonse DecandoUe made experiments on the vitality of seeds. 



Fig. 622. Wardian Case, used for transporting living plants and germinating seeds. The 

 top may be glazed with thick glass, or strong white cotton may be fli'mly stretched over it. 

 Fig. 623. Wooden partitions, which may be inserted in the Case to hold pots, which must be 

 carefully fastened to prevent injury during transit. Kg. 624. Section of the Case, showing 

 the separate pots, with plants, in the interior. 



