THE 



ORCHID-GROWER'S MANUAL, 



INTRODUCTION. 



THE nature and habits of Orchidaceous plants are now 

 better known than they were some few years ago, and we 

 have become better acquainted with the conditions under 

 which they grow in the countries where they are indigenous. 

 There they are exposed to a dry season, during which they 

 are at rest ; and to a rainy season, when the heat is high, 

 and the air moist nearly to saturation. To grow Orchids in 

 perfection, their native climate must, to a certain extent, 

 be imitated ; viz. they must have a period of rest in a dry 

 and comparatively cool atmosphere, and during their growth 

 and flowering they should be exposed to a high moist 

 atmosphere ; but as they principally grow on the trunks 

 and branches of trees, it is important that they should be 

 exposed to a free current of air, and also to light : this is 

 essential, except in the case of some few species which require 

 shading, to prevent the plants being exposed to the direct 

 action of the sun's rays, which are apt to scorch the leaves. 

 Great heat and moisture are only necessary while the plants 

 are in vigorous growth, and this period should be during 

 spring and summer, the best season of rest being from about 

 November till February : and it is the long period of rest 

 which predisposes the plants to blossom. Of course, rules 



