AN ORCHIDEOUS HOUSE IN SOUTH WALES. 



namented with a little island overgrown like the rock-work with Orchidece, Ferns 

 and Lycopods. 



The disposition of the stones in the rock-work would depend much on the 

 geological strata you have to work with : in my case they lie flat and evenly 

 bedded, and thus the portions of the rock-work arc placed in more regular courses 

 than would be necessary in many other formations. In limestone or granite coun- 

 tries, designs much more ornamental than mine might, I think, be easily contrived. 



The account of the splendid vegetation which borders the cataracts of tropical 

 rivers, as described by Schoraburgk, gave me the first idea of trying this experi- 

 ment. I read in the "Sertum Orchidaceum" his graphic description of the falls 

 of the Berbice and Essequibo, on the occasion of his first discovery of Huntleya 

 violacea. I was delighted with the beautiful picture which his words convey, and 

 thought that it might be better represented than is usual in stoves. 



With this view 1 began to work, and added the rock-work which I describe to 

 a house already in use for the cultivation of Orchideous plants. I found no 

 difficulty in re-arranging it for its new design, and after a trial now of about two 

 years can say that it has entirely ansv/ered the ends I had in view. 



The moist stones were speedily covered with a thick carpet of seedling Ferns, 

 and the creeping stems of tropical Lycopods, among the fronds of which many 

 species of Orchidesc delighted to root themselves. 



Huntleya violacea was one of the first epiphytes that I planted, and it flowered 

 and throve in its new situation, as I hoped and expected. The East Indian genera, 

 liowever, of Vanda, Saccolahium, Aerides, and other caulescent sorts, similar in 

 habit and growth, were the most vigorous of all, and many of these in a very 

 short time only required the use of the pruning-knife to prevent their overgrowing 

 smaller and more delicate species. 



Plants that are grown in this manner have a wild luxuriance about them that 

 is unknown to the specimens cultivated in the ordinary manner, and to myself 

 they are exceedingly attractive, more resembling what one fancies them in their 

 native forests — true air-plants, depending for their subsistence on the humid atmo- 

 sphere alone. 



Dift'erent species thus intermingle together in a beautiful confusion, Dendrohinm, 

 and Camarotis, and Renanthera, side by side, with wreaths of flowers and leaves 

 interlacing one another, and sending their long roots to drink from the mist of the 

 fall, or even from the water of the pool below. 



Many species are cultivated upon the rocks themselves, others upon blocks of 

 wood, or baskets suspended from the roof, and thus sufficient room is secured for 

 a great number of plants. At the same time the general effect is beautiful, and 

 the constant humidity kept up by the stream of falling water suits the constitution 

 of many species in a degree that might be expected from a consideration of their 

 native habits ; and I would strongly recommend the adoption of this or some 

 similar plan to all who have the means of diverting a stream of water from a level 

 higher than the top of their stove. 



This, I think, in most situations might be easily contrived. Our house lies on 

 high ground, and the water is brought from a considerable distance, but yet I found 

 very little difficulty or expense in its construction. 



