146 ODOROGRAPHIA. 
all shrubs, climbers, and such large trees as would cause an excess 
of shade, leaving only young trees suitable to serve as supports to 
the plants. Preference is given to those containing a milky sap, 
as the orchid attaches itself to the bark by means of aérial roots 
(produced from the nodes), which are its veritable organs of nu- 
trition; the subterranean roots being very insignificant in 
comparison to the size of the plant. It is not uncommon to 
observe the gradual decay of the stalk near the root which is in 
the ground, and at the same time a remarkable development of 
the same stalk as it increases in length. Close to each tree, two 
cuttings are planted side by side in the following manner :—in a 
shallow trench about an inch anda half deep and fifteen or twenty 
inches long, is imbedded a cutting as far as three joints or eyes, 
the three leaves being first stripped off; the trench is then 
covered up with dried leaves, leaf-mould, coarse sand, brush-wood, 
&e. The bed should be slightly raised above the level of the soil 
in order to prevent a collection of stagnant water which might rot 
the plants. The remainder of the shoot, 3 or 4 feet long, is 
tied against the tree. The supporting trees should be quite 12 or 
15 feet apart to allow sufficient room for the development of the 
plant, the growth being very rapid. After a month the cuttings 
will have taken root, and must be carefully kept free from weeds 
and underwood of all kinds, In the third year these plants will 
commence to bear fruit. Planting takes place in the rainy 
season ; in default of sufficient rain, the cuttings must be fre- 
queutly watered. In the case when it is desirable to plant a field, 
plain, or low-lymg ground, the method in Mexico is first to 
thoroughly plough up the land and sow it with maize. While 
this is growing, a quantity of young lactescent trees, of the fig 
tribe, make their appearance over the field; these, after a year or 
eighteen months, are large enough to support the vanilla plants, 
which are set in the manner above described, and from them the 
finest product is obtained. 
There are five sorts of vanilla plants locally known in Mexico 
by the following names :— 
1. Vanilla coriente. This is held in greatest esteem for the 
quality of its pods, which are classed commercially into five 
classes, the first bemg long fleshy pods full of pulp and seed, and 
with a very fine skin; the second, called V. chicafina, about half 
the length of the preceding aud with a thick skin, not so fine in 
