IN consequence of the vitiated atmosphere caused by the generation of gas in the combustion of coal, it is found very difficult to grow plants in rooms, and almost impossible to grow them with satisfaction to ourselves, for though they are not killed outright, they linger along a feeble existence, slowly though surely drop their foliage, and are soon past recovery. To obviate this and protect your favorite flowers from the baneful influence of the impaired atmosphere, it is only necessary to inclose them in a limited atmosphere to have them grow as vigorously and as freshly as in the free air of the country. The so-called "Wardian Case," or "Ward's Portable Conservatory," will protect your flowers and preserve them in all their natural beauty. It is one of the few blessings that comes within the reach of all, because it is practicable on the simplest scale, and may be adopted at a trifling expense by any person. Boxes of common wood with glass above, a bell glass, or a crystal bottle with bottom cut away and fitted over a wooden box, or placed over a common flower-pot, will answer perfectly well, and in this manner many delicate plants can be grown and preserved in perfection.

It can not reasonably be expected that all plants will flourish in a humid atmosphere; for instance, those plants which are natives of a dry soil and air would soon deteriorate; but then there are enough to feast the eyes and delight the heart of any lover of the uBright gems of earth, in which perchance we tee What Eden was, what Paradise may be."

And when the apparatus is once fitted up and filled with the plants adapted to a humid atmosphere, it requires scarcely any care or attendance; the inconvenience experienced from dust and litter, which often render the ordinary mode of keeping plants in the house objectionable, is here entirely avoided.

Another advantage gained is, the plants being shut off from all communication with the external air, no apprehension of their injuring the atmosphere, even of close rooms, can be reasonably entertained.

These are advantages which render the Wardian Cases easily practicable by persons of every class; and if those who have never tried this method of growing plants will but practice it even on a small scale, there is little doubt in my mind but that they will derive more real heartfelt enjoyment in watching the steady and luxuriant growth of their floral pets than they had ever conceived to be possible. I will endeavor, in a short time, to give you a list of plants which I have learned from practical experience are adapted to grow in Wardian Cases, and also some other facts connected therewith which may be of interest to your readers.

O. H. Peck.

Melrose, January, 1867.

Wardian Cases #1

A few years since everybody almost got up a Wardian Case, some small, some large, until it seemed to be a part of the regular furniture of a house, but during the past two or three years their use has been abandoned, and it is rare at this time to meet with one. Why this is so, I can only account for on the supposition that to enjoy vegetable life one wants to see it growing and changing unrestrained, and a daily contemplation of one or more plants in a confined position by degrees becomes wearisome. To no other cause can I attribute the partial abandonment of the Wardian Case, because it is well known plants of many kinds can be successfully grown therein.