»T^i 1 "H . - 



of drying was again gone through, and the plant replaced 

 * ' ' it has on it now, August 31, nine bulbs. 



in strong heat ; 



made in a short space of fifteen months. I expect to have 

 the plant in a state for flowering next season. This plant 

 was cultivated with a number of other small ones, in a 

 small house that could be kept very hot. 



" I cannot conclude this statement better than by re- 

 commending those who wish to grow Terrestrial Orchidaceae 

 well, to attend to the following brief rules, in applying the 

 four great elements of vegetable life, viz. air, light, heat, and 



water. 



tt 



Air. 



Terrestrial Orchidaceae should never have a great 



volume of external air admitted at once, however fine the 

 weather may be ; to prevent the house becoming too hot, a 

 thick canvas shading should be covered over it during sun- 

 shine. 



" Light. — The best aspect for an Orchidaceous-house is 

 due south, and the house should be made to admit as much 

 light as possible. In summer a thick canvas is always put 

 on the house to prevent the bright sun damaging the plants. 



In winter ever\^ ray of light is advantageous to the plants. 



* ' Heat. 



unng the 



growing season, Orchidaceae re- 



quire a moderately moist heat, varying from 65 to 85 de- 

 grees ; in the dormant season from 60 to 75 is quite sufficient ; 

 in the season of rest the house should be kept dry. 



" Watei\ — With this element more damage is done than 

 by all the others put together. Orchidaceae in pots should 

 be sparingly watered in the growing season ; in the dormant 

 state little or no water should be given. The secret of 

 growing these plants is to take care never to kill the old 

 roots ; v^hen too much water is given while the plants are 

 not in a growing state, almost all the old roots invariably 

 perish. 



*' N. B. The brief account here given refers entirely to 

 plants potted in peat soil ; those grown in moss and on bits 

 of wood require quite a different treatment." 



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