60 OKCHID-GRO wee's MANUAL. 



block, serve, by means of copper wire, to fasten the plants on 

 to the blocks. There are some imitation blocks made with 

 pottery ware, which are very neat, and last a long time, but 

 it is questionable if they are so congenial to the plants as 

 wood. The great advantage of growing Orchids on blocks or 

 in baskets, is that of being able to get the plants near the 

 glass, where they may reap the full benefits of sun and 

 light. 



SELECT ORCHIDS AT PRESENT IN CULTIVATION. 



]N the following descriptions of all the best Orchida- 

 ceous plants now cultivated in our gardens, a general 

 account is given of the distinctive features of each 

 genus ; this is followed by a more particular description of 

 the individual species, together with an account of the mode 

 of treatment which I have found, after considerable experience, 

 best adapted to their successful cultivation. 



ACINETA. 



This genus comprises several species ; the most attractive 

 kinds are, however, here specified. They should all be gi'own 

 in baskets, as they produce their flower spikes from the base 

 of the pseudobulbs, and they invariably take a downward 

 direction. The species are all evergreen, with short pseudo- 

 bulbs, and leaves about a foot high ; of easy culture, and are 

 best grown in baskets with moss and peat. A hberal supply 

 of water at the roots during their period of growth is necessary 

 for their successful culture, afterwards less will suffice. They 

 will all succeed in either the East Indian or Cattleya house, 



