Re:Wardian Cases
ALASTAIR ROBINSON (100611.1627@CompuServe.COM)
03 Nov 96 06:52:47 EST
Zachary, the modern equivalent to the Wardian case is your every day
propagator. Authentic Wardian cases are not too easy to come by, being
used in purposely arranged nostalgic settings these days only as decor
because of the availability of lighter, cheaper, often more efficient
propagators/small greenhouses. Over here in England, you can find one
or two at the Chelsea Farmer's Market - a rather expensive garden centre
in London, but which is interestingly stocked.
They generally consist of glass cases, each pane held in place
by lead or
cast iron brackets, rather like modern greenhouses are, though these
were often ornately guilded with lovely decoration. The smaller ones
bore handles to make transportation more easy. Entrance was variable -
sometimes a hinged lid, a permanent hole in the side, or a hinged glass
door. The largest could hold small trees and palms, though such cases
weren't always necessary due to the hardy nature and ability of palms to
survive the travelling with less difficulty than other plants might.
They often weighed a lot because aluminium wasn't exactly prevalent back
then - the only options generally, were lead and iron which are
comparatively weighty metals.
Besides maintaining a more stable (temperature and moisture
wise) local
environment for the travelling plants, they protected the individuals
contained therein from the salt spray on ships which caused many
problems with many non-halophytes/salt intolerant plants.