DENDROBIUM. 65 



convinced that they cannot flower well and grow 

 at the same time, for by being always kept in an 

 excited state, they are unable to ripen their stems 

 to prepare them for flowering ; but many persons 

 believe if they can grow them well, they will be 

 sure to flower fine. Such is not always the case ; 

 for the principal point is ripening their stems, and 

 bringing them into a proper resting, which may 

 be done by proper attention being paid to them. 

 In their native country they have one season of 

 excessive moisture, and another of dryness ; but 

 under artificial treatment, it must not be con- 

 sidered that they require the same amount of 

 humidity as when in their natural position ; it is 

 also important to mention that all of them do not 

 flower after the rainy season, as there are some 

 species which flower before it commences. 



In order that my mode of cultivation may be 

 more plainly understood, I have divided them 

 into three sections : — 



The first section consists of upright growing 

 sorts, requiring pot cultivation. The second, those 

 that are of a pendant habit, and require baskets. 

 And the third is devoted to those that require 

 blocks or rough chumps of wood. 



Section 1. For these, the pots should be 

 in proportion to the size of the plant intended 

 for them ; in forming the drainage a smaller 



5 



