452 OUTDOOR CULTIVATION OF BRITISH ORCHIDS. [Nov. 



shady corner (constant sunshine is inimical to the growth of most 

 orchids) hy digging into the ordinary garden soil (wliich we will 

 suppose in most cases to be loam) a quantity of peat or leaf-mould ; 

 tills heing a mixture suited io the wants of most species. In 

 ])lanting the tuberous or other roots, the requirements of each kind 

 can, however, be readily attended to ; it may be by adding lime or 

 chalk to those requiring a calcareous soil, pure loam or leaf-mould 

 where necessary, etc. Limestone blocks or boulders should, where 

 obtainable, be half sunk in the bed in as natural a manner as possible, 

 and against the sides of which those kinds requiring a calcareous 

 soil may be planted with the best chance of success. 



When forming this low rock-work, part of the l)ed should be 

 raised above the general level of the surrounding ground, in order 

 to meet the wants of those kinds requiring a dry soil and situation. 

 The bed should also be carpeted with some low, creeping plants, 

 such as the Scdums, Arenarias, Campanula hederacea, Linaria 

 Aljnna, or Anagallis tcnclla, all of wliich are not only ornamental 

 but preserve a cool, moist surface by preventing the too speedy 

 evaporation of moisture, a matter of much importance for the 

 healthy development of the plants. When planting the tubers, 

 these should not be placed at a greater depth tlian from 3 to 4 

 inches. A few species, notably E2npactis latifoUa, the Ccphalan- 

 theras, and one or two others having fibrous roots, are, howeve^ 

 exceptions to this rule, and may, with advantage, be placed at a 

 depth of 6 inches in the ground ; but for the various . species of 

 Orchis, Habcnaria, Ophnjs, ^Qic. W\q above specified depth should 

 never be exceeded. 



Although the majority of Britisli orchids are found in a somewhat 

 stiff soil, still in my experience of them, wlien brought under cul- 

 tivation, a fair admixture of sand is highly beneficial to most 

 species ; indeed, I make it a rule wlien planting to surround the 

 tuberous or other roots with a handful of rough grit, or sand, which 

 not only to a great extent prevents decay, but materially assists in 

 the formation of roots. This precaution is all the more necessary 

 when planting imported orchids, the roots of which have become 

 damaged in transit or through carelessness in lifting. 



With a little care, orchids may be transplanted from their native 

 wilds at any period of their growth even when in full flower; 

 indeed, the latter time is preferable, as the strongest and healthiest 

 plants can always be chosen, and then usually any peculiarity of 

 ibliage or flowers is retained under cultivation. In removing the 

 plants, great care should be taken not to injure the roots, as if these 

 (more especially in the case of those having tuberous roots) become 

 in the least damaged, the healthy development of the new offset or 



