On the Growth of Plants in Closely Glazed CasesIn the early nineteenth century, live plant cuttings were commonly transported between continents in wooden boxes exposed to the elements on the decks of ships; unsurprisingly, it was rare for them to arrive in good health. The glass cases devised by Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward (1791-1868) were a revolutionary step forward in preserving botanical specimens. In this monograph, first published in 1842, Ward explores some of the most common causes of plant deaths in cities and aboard ships, including air quality and temperature. Most importantly, he emphasises the need for light. Although photosynthesis would not be chemically understood until later that century, Ward recognised that a glass case was infinitely preferable to an opaque one. His rapidly adopted invention would have far-reaching effects, allowing for the safe transportation of tea from China to the Himalayas, rubber from the Amazon and medicinal species from the Andes to India. |
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... first published 1842 This digitally printed version 2013 ISBN 978-1-108-06113-1 Paperback This book reproduces the text of the original edition. The content and language reflect the beliefs, practices and terminology of their time, and ...
... first published 1842 This digitally printed version 2013 ISBN 978-1-108-06113-1 Paperback This book reproduces the text of the original edition. The content and language reflect the beliefs, practices and terminology of their time, and ...
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Contents
On the causes which interfere with the Natural Con | 11 |
0n the conveyance of Plants and Seeds on Shipboard | 45 |
condition of the poor | 57 |
CHA p VI On the probable future application of the preceding facts | 67 |
Appendix | 75 |
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Common terms and phrases
animal appearance arrived artificial atmosphere beautiful believe benefit bottle boxes Cactus Cactuses caisse carbonic acid cause cent CHAPTER CHARLES MALLARD châssis CLOSELY GLAZED cold CONDITIONS OF PLANTS confined covered cultivated DAVID Don Dear Sir deficiency deux direct current effects experiment exposed feet ferns field filled find fine first five months flourish flower four or five fronds fulfilled gases GEORGE LODDIGES glass grow growth of plants heat influence of light large towns Letter likewise Loddiges London luxuriance MALLARD manufactories means membrane moist moisture mosses mould N. B. Ward NATHANIEL BAGSHAW WARD NATURAL CONDITIONS number of plants numerous observations open air oxygen perished Persoon placed plants in closed Poa annua procured protected reflected roots Royal Botanic Garden season seeds serre de voyage ship’s soil specimens succulent plants suflicient summer surface thermometer tion Trichomanes vegetation vessel W. J. HOOKER Wellclose Square window winter Your’s