December.'] HOT-HOUSE AIR PLANTS. 189 



Orchideous epiphytes generally grow upon trees, in the 

 recesses of damp tropical forests, establishing themselves in 

 the forks of the branches, and even upon rocks, stones, or 

 decayed trees. Shade, therefore, is essential to their wel- 

 fare ; consequently, never permit them to be exposed to 

 violent sunshine. They require but little water at the 

 roots, provided the atmosphere they grow in is very humid. 

 The best soil for them is a sandy, turfy peat, containing a 

 large portion of fibrous matter ; mix with this pieces of 

 pot-shreds or cork, and be careful not to place the plant deep 

 in the pot ; they will also grow on blocks or sticks of wood. 

 Although we use and prefer small boxes (about six inches 

 square) made of cork, in which they grow finely and bloom 

 profusely. With some of the strong-growing kinds, we 

 use, in addition to the above soil, a little leaf-mould, using 

 always plenty of drainage. The house we cultivate them 

 in has an eastern aspect. Shade can easily be given to 

 them by having creepers trained up the rafters of the house, 

 or an occasional large plant, placed in such a situation as 

 will afford most shade during mid-day ; and it must be ob- 

 served, that, although the plants are fond of moisture, they 

 never thrive, except the water has a free passage from their 

 roots. 



