1816.] 



AND HORTICULTURIST. 



202 



ated with other plants. Where there is a large 

 collection of orchids, or of any particular class 

 of plants, it is unquestionably the better way to 

 devote a place for themselves; but no collection 

 of plants in the country, whether greenhouse or 

 hot-house, can be considered complete without a 

 few orchids in it. Some of the finest orchids 

 we have are of much easier culture than plenty 

 of the hot-house and greenhouse flowering plants. 



I have seen some excellent specimens of orna- 

 mental-leaved plants and good plants of orchids 

 in fine flower, exhibited at the different horticul- 

 tural exhibitions in Boston, but very seldom 

 have I seen a good specimen of Stephanotis, 

 Ixora, Franciscea or Dipladenia exhibited. Hor- 

 ticulturists are not needing, therefore, to be de- 

 terred from having in their collections a few 

 orchids, because they cannot set aside a house for 

 their particular culture. Bestow the same care 

 upon orchids which other plants require, with 

 which they can be associated, and they will amply 

 repay the trouble. 



The following is a list of a few kinds suitable 

 for culture in the greenhouse : — 

 Dendiobrium nobile, Lycaste, Skinnerii. 

 Cattleya citrina, Odontoglossum grande. 



Cattleya Mossise, Odontoglossum Alexan- 



drae. 

 Coelogyne cristata, Phajus grandifolius. 



Cyprepedium barbatum, Phajus Wallichii. 

 Cyprepedium venustum,Zypopetalum Mackayai. 

 Cyprepedium insigne, Zypopetalum Maxilan. 



THE AQUATIC BOUQUET. 



BY MRS. C. S. JONES, MONROE, MO. 



A novel and most charming floral arrange- 

 ment will be found in the " Aquatic Bouquet ;" 

 and whether for the dra^ving-room bracket, the 

 stand of the sick-room, or as an epergne for 

 some elegant dining or supper table, it is an im- 

 posing object. But to describe this lovely crea- 

 tion : — It consists of flowers, leaves, buds, sprays, 

 grasses, ferns and moss, — or indeed any treas- 

 ure of the floral kingdom, — in a state of perfect 

 beauty, and in an upright position, surrounded, 

 covered, — yes, buried as it were, beneath the 

 limpid element. A singular, yet, after all, a most 

 simple phenomenon, merely one of Nature's 

 laws beautifully demonstrated, viz.: — the power of 

 atmospheric pressure, and the old rule of our 

 school lesson — "two elements cannot occupy the 

 same place at the same time," in this instance 

 proved by following the subjoined directions: — 



Have ready a glass-shade, such as we use for 

 covering fern-cases, wax-flowers, statuary, or 

 other delicate objects, of any size convenient ; or 

 substitute any plain glass chamber, such as a 

 tumbler, jar, or bell-glass — though these are 

 only suitable for small bouquets — a glass or 

 china dish, with flat bottom, sufficiently large to 

 admit the shade, and with a deep rim (such as a 

 soup-plate for instance), — a selection of flowers, 

 of even ordinary species, such as Dianthus, 

 Abronia, Verbena, &c., with the other floral 

 treasures before mentioned; a piece of stone 

 one-half as large as diameter of the shade, some 

 flue but strong green thread, and a tub filled 

 with clear cold water. Now commence, by 

 arranging the flowers and leaves tastefully into a 

 graceful bouquet^form ; using judgment and 

 artistic skill, in order that, by contrast and pleas- 

 ing combinations, the most satisfactory results 

 may be obtained. Fasten this when completed 

 to the stone, by tying the stems to it (for which 

 reason the stone might better be rather rugged 

 in character). The stone itself must then be 

 entirely hidden by tj'ing moss and colored leaves 

 around it (commencing at the top, and cover- 

 ing the stems of the bouquet). For this, the 

 leaves of Coleus, Achyranthus, Alternanthera, 

 and variegated Geraniums ; contrasted with moss 

 and emerald-green fern-fronds, will present a 

 charming appearance. The stone so covered is 

 placed in the centre of the dish, and around it 

 (if space intervenes between it and the side of 

 the dish) arrange pretty stones, moss and 

 bright leaves, with graceful vine sprays. 



Now immerse this dish, arranged as it is, in 

 the water contained in the tub ; then taking the 

 shade in the hand, place one side of it beneath 

 the water, just over one side of the dish, and 

 slowly sinking it until entirely filled ; all the 

 time turning it over the bouquet, until finally 

 it is placed down on the dish ; then raise dish 

 and all up slowly from the water, and you will 

 find that the atmospheric pressure will keep the 

 shade firmly fixed, while before you will be one 

 of the most lovely objects you ever beheld. 



Do not disturb the water around the rim of 

 the dish, as it aids in making the shade air tight, 

 and for this reason it might better be renewed 

 from day to day as it evaporates. Around the 

 outer rim of the plate or dish place pieces of 

 stone, shells and coral, prettily dressed with 

 Tradescantias, Ivies, or other delicate planta 

 that will grow in water. We have said this waa 

 a beautiful object, but " the half hath not been 



