PEOPAGATION OF ORCHIDS. 23 



SO that it may become warmed to about the same temperature 

 as the atmosphere in which it is to be used. 



Slate cisterns, for collecting the rain-water which falls on 

 the roof, are very important. Cisterns on each side over the 

 hot-water pipes keep the water at the same temperature as 

 that of the house. If there is not room for the slate cistern 

 on the pipes, have one sunk in the middle of the house. 

 Cement tanks under the centre table answer the same pur- 

 pose, and should have a hot-water pipe run through them, so 

 as to make the water of the same temperature as the house, 

 which is very essential for the gi'owth of the plants. 



PROPAGATION OF ORCHIDS. 



HERE are different modes of propagating the various 

 kinds of Orchids. Some are easily increased by 

 dividing them into pieces, or by cutting the old 

 pseudobulbs from the plants after the latter have done bloom- 

 ing : such plants as Dendrohiums are increased in this way. 

 The best time for dividing the plants is just as they begin to 

 grow, or when they are at rest ; they should be cut through 

 with a sharp knife between the pseudobulbs, being careful not 

 to harm the roots ; and each piece should have some roots 

 attached to it. After they are cut through, they should be 

 put into some shady part of the house, without receiving much 

 water at the roots till they have begun to grow and make 

 fresh ones ; then they may be parted, potted, and have the 

 regular supply. Dendrobium nohile, D. Pierardi, D. pid- 

 chellum, D. macrophyllum, D. Devonianum, D. Falconeri, D. 

 Wardianum, and sorts of similar habit, are easily propagated. 



