A Victorian Wardian Case is basically a terrarium that was popular in the 19th century. These cases were originally used as as means to transport plants long distances and on ships to keep them alive.
The Wardian Case was invented by Dr. Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward (1791–1868) in London - quite by accident. Dr. Ward had a strong interest in botany, but London's bad air pollution were killing his ferns.
He had a collection of moth cocoons in glass bottles and he noted in passing that a fern spore and some grass germinated and even bloomed in a sealed glass bottle. He was interested, but didn't eyt see the possibilities. 4 years later, the seal rusted and the fern & grass died. He finally caught on and had a carpenter build him a glazed wooden case and his ferns thrived.
This also opened up the ability to ship plants to other countries for study and commercial products. The condensation in the case eliminated the need for watering plants, and the glass case protected the delicate plants from salt spray on the ship.
Fascinating. I learned something today. I hadn't heard of a Wardian cage, Now we take it's use for granted.
ReplyDeleteThey seem to be very elaborate, like most Victorian decor was. I'd like one in my house!
DeleteI think they are beautiful things. If you are interested in Wardian cases I recommend the book For All the Tea in China: Espionage, Empire and the Secret Formula for the World's Favourite Drink. Robert Fortune used them to smuggle out tea plants from China.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3081255-for-all-the-tea-in-china
That's not the sort of book I usually read, but it got my interest! I'll have to check it out, thanks.
DeleteThese are really beautiful! I can totally see them in some vast botanical garden, scattered among paths hidden by shady trees and such. Like little mini greenhouses, yes? Very cool - thanks for the tidbit! :D marci (fuzzyundertones.com)
ReplyDelete