420 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XVI. 



tremendous drenching dews that fall at night from October to April 

 (the season of rest, be it noted) ; and these latter orchitis will frequently 

 be found to be those for whom Nature has provided no regular reservoirs 

 in the form of pseudobulbs. Looking to all these circumstances, the 

 nearer we can follow Nature, or even go further and assist her by 

 offering additional water in an exceptionally dry season, probably the 

 better our results will be. 



Practically all orchids require copious watering during their growing 

 season. 



Perhaps it is unnecessary to add that rain water is best, river water 

 next best, and spring water the worst. But the matter is rather an 

 important one. 



Copper wire and copper tacks only should be used for wiring orchids 

 on to trees, baskets, tubs, &c, as it does not injure the plants or their 

 roots. 



Exporting orchids is a very simple and easy matter, and a few hints 

 may not be out of place here. October and November are quite the 

 best months at all events as far as Himalayan orchids are concerned, for 

 they have stopped growing then and have begun to rest, and even if 

 they arrive at home in frosty weather, it does not seem to affect the 

 hardier kinds. Orchids are more frequently killed than not, and always 

 seriously damaged if packed during their growing season. The plants 

 should be taken from trees and rocks with ordinary care so as not to 

 damage new roots especially, and should then be placed in dry, but 

 shady, situations, where there is plenty of air, to allow of their becoming 

 thoroughly dry. This treatment should last for about a fortnight, and 

 the plants can then be packed tightly with plenty of dry moss ( to 

 prevent shaking ) into an ordinary wooden case, such as a box to hold 

 a dozen of wine. No air holes are necessary, provided the plants have 

 been well dried. It might be as well to print on the box : — " NOT 

 TO BE STOWED NEAR THE BOILERS." A small lead label, 

 marked with a number, may with advantage be tied on to one specimen 

 of each species packed in the box, and a list containing similar numbers 

 be posted home, under each of which is given the name, locality, 

 habits, and any other information thought needful regarding each 

 kind that has been despatched. Orchids sent home as above recom- 

 mended sixteen years ago from here are still thriving and flowering 

 splendidly every year. 



