178 
WIIVDOW GARDENING- 
heat can be raised to any degree up to 90". The cases are of two sizeg, the larger 
ones being about four feet long, bj' tw^o wide, and two high, while the boxes on 
which the glassed frames rest are eight inches deep. The boxes are lined with 
ainc, and fitted with hot water apparatus. No lamp or any heater is required, 
hot water only being used, which is poured in through a concealed opening from 
■without, and when cold is let off by another opening. 
This water maintains the temperature at a height 
sufficient for most plants for twenty-four hours without 
refilling; but when greater heat is required it can be 
raised to any degree from 65° to 90°, by adding more 
hot water after the first twelve hours. The upper 
glass sash is movable, and by a button or hook is 
lifted at any time ventilation is needed or you wish to 
examine the plants. This principle of heating the case 
is principallj'- for the sake of bringing into flower and 
keeping in good health many tender stove plants, as well 
as other delicate plants which cannot stand either a cool 
or a dry atmosphere." 
The general outline and construction of Miss Maling's 
plant case is ver}' similar to the " home hiade case" we have previously des- 
cribed. Heating will be unnecessary if amateurs will only choose but the 
ordinary native or greenhouse ferns, and keep the case well closed awaj' from 
cold air. 
But it seems to us if the case is to be heated at all, 
it should be divided into two apartments, one end for 
plants needing the warm temperature, the other for 
the cool temperature, or else put no plants in the case 
unless thej' are all to be treated alike. 
Whenever, in the mind of a begiimer, there appears 
to be a doubt as to what to choose, take the Lycojjodium 
denticulatum, and other varieties of L. caesium, apodum, 
heloctica, or variabilis will always appear to advantage ; 
alho the Pteris cretica alho lineata, oi- Cyrtomitan fal- 
catum, do remarkably well, being very strong growers." 
^ - These Fern Pillars are also made of Terra Cotta, in 
=£"^- England, with openings in appropriate places for set- 
Kig. 62. ting in the bricks. The columns are also constructed 80 
as to jiermit a glass screen to shut completely over them and rest upon the base, 
thus giving the same effect as a Wardian Case. Fig. 49 shows another design on 
a table, with a glass top also. Fig. 50 shows one of the largest styles of fere 
bricks, as it rests fitted into a fire screen. 
Fig. 51 is much more elaborate, and shows what maybe done either in the sidfe 
of a wall or a conservator}', or to occupy a large fire place. These are madt 
