58 orchid-grower's manual. 



about them, which is unnatural. My practice is, to give but 

 little water at the roots during winter, and not so much as 

 many people in summer, because I have seen the ill effects 

 of it. The treatment I recommended some years ago I still 

 foUow, and with uniform success. 



Some Orchid growers give more heat and moisture than is 

 here recommended, and their plants have done well for a time ; 

 but under such exciting management they are apt to become 

 spotted, and get into a permanently bad state of health ; in 

 short, the least chill, after growing in so high a temperature, 

 is liable to induce disease. The great secret in the cultivation 

 of these as well as of all other plants, is a proper house, 

 without drip ; sufficient ventilation, heat, and moisture ; and 

 the total banishment of all insects detrimental to vegetable 

 life. The temperature throughout the whole year should be 

 kept as nearly as possible in accordance with the directions 

 laid down in these pages, which are the result of long 

 experience and close observation. 



MODE OF MAKING ORCHID BASKETS. 



LOCKS and baskets are most natural for true air- 

 plants, such as Vandas, Saccolabiums, Aerides, An- 

 grcecums, Phalcenopses, &c. When planted in baskets 

 or on blocks, these send out their roots much more vigorously 

 into the air, and suck up the moisture, whereas, if their roots 

 are covered too much, they are very apt to rot. Mr. R. Warner 

 has invented a flat block made of clay, with holes in it, and 

 his plants are thriving well on them. Various materials are 

 used for forming baskets. Sometimes they are made of 



