GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 9 



vigour; this diminution of energy in all proba- 

 bility arising from an excess of care. 



Should, however, any one feel desirous of at- 

 tempting the culture of British Orchideae as a 

 first step, it would be well to inquire as to the 

 character of the localities from wdiich they are 

 derived ; for many of them, especially those from 

 a chalky district, refuse to vegetate, unless sup- 

 plied with their accustomed food. In these cases, 

 and indeed in all where practicable, it is advisable 

 to assimilate the artificial treatment as nearly as 

 possible in every particular, but more so with the 

 soil, to their natural position ; they generally suc- 

 ceed moderately well under the management usual 

 for half-hardy plants, keeping them in a cold 

 frame, with protection from heavy rains and severe 

 frosts, through the winter, and the scorching in- 

 fluence of the sun's rays during summer. 



-ASIA. 



Asia, in many respects, is the most interesting 

 division of the globe, as every variety of climate 

 and of soil occurs in this vast region ; it is watered 

 by magnificent rivers, and intersected by stupen- 

 dous mountains, of which I believe ihe Himmalaha 

 chain is the loftiest in the world. 



Here the distribution of Orchideae is very ex- 



