226 
THE FLORIST’S JOURNAL. 
of Cacti, of Ericaceous plants, of Ferns, or of any other natural 
family, and while each is kept separate, either will succeed, but 
when a heterogeneous jumble of the whole is collected, placed 
together in a small box, and of course subject to the same 
influences, it is unreasonable to expect aught else than disap¬ 
pointment. 
One of the most appropriate and promising groups for the 
purpose that we are acquainted with is Gesneracece , these we 
strongly recommend. A case filled with gesnerias, gloxinias, 
achimenes, and other members of the family, would certainly 
present a most charming appearance, their several shades of 
blue, scarlet,white, and purple, contrasting together, and relieved 
by the rich velvety foliage, cannot fail to please, and for the 
guidance of amateurs we subjoin a list of such as we deem most 
suitable. 
Where only a small case, and a constantly green aspect is 
required, ferns or the globular cacti should be selected, these 
occasion less trouble than any others, but they present less 
change, and but few colours. 
It must be borne in mind that whatever description of plants 
are chosen, the treatment is to be assimilated as nearly as pos¬ 
sible to their ordinary culture when grown in the usual plant 
structures, except that air need be admitted only when neces¬ 
sary to dry the atmosphere or reduce the temperature, as for 
the preservation of flowers, or for resting the plants, at all other 
times the proper temperature must be maintained by keeping 
the case closely shut, and if that is not sufficient, by the appli¬ 
cation of heat externally, either by means of a fire in the room 
or by exposure to the sun’s rays. 
An occasional supply of water is at times requisite though 
not frequently, as from the construction of the case, and its 
being usually shut up, but little moisture can escape, that which 
condenses on the glass returning again to the soil. 
The size and form of the case must be determined by the 
convenience and taste of the possessor, the bottom should be 
formed of a trough or box, at least eight inches deep, to contain 
the soil, and we have seen some, having in addition a metal tray, , 
to slide under the bed of earth, for the purpose of supplying 
bottom heat, by filling the tray with hot water; a door at each 
end, or one in the middle is necessary for the convenience of 
