6 THE ORCHID-GROWER'S MANUAL. 



fresh roots. The best pots are those in ordinary use. Some 

 employ slate pots, but they are not, in my opinion, so good 

 for Orchids as those made of clay. 



In potting large plants there should be a small pot turned 

 upside down in the bottom of the large one, then fill in with 

 potsherds or charcoal broken up into pieces, about two inches 

 square for large plants ; smaller plants should not have 

 pieces so large ; then introduce potsherds till within three or 

 four inches of the rim, and afterwards put on a layer of moss 

 to prevent the peat from impeding the drainage, and to let 

 the water pass off quickly. This is of great importance, for 

 if not attended to the water will become stagnant, and the soil 

 sodden, which is fatal to the growth of the plant. The grand 

 point to be observed in the successful culture of Orchids, as 

 well as of other plants, is good drainage ; without that it is 

 hopeless to try to keep the plants long in a healthy condition. 

 The best material for potting the different kinds of epiphytes 

 in is good rough fibrous peat and sphagnum moss ; after 

 the layer of moss is applied, then fill up with peat. This 

 should be broken into lumps about the size of a hen's egg : 

 I always use broken potsherds or charcoal mixed with the 

 peat. The plant should be elevated above the rim of the pot 

 two or three inches, taking care to have all the pseudo-bulbs 

 above the soil ; then put some peat on the top of the roots 

 so as to cover them, employing a few small pegs to keep 

 the soil firmly in the pot. After the plants are potted I fix a 

 stick in the centre of the plant to keep it firm. In shifting, 

 carefully shake off all the old soil you can without injuring 

 the roots, and be careful not to give too much water at first ; 

 but after the plants begin to make more root, they may have 

 a good supply. The best material for those in baskets is 

 sphagnum and broken potsherds. The basket should suit 

 the size of the plant ; but do not have it too large, for it will 

 not last more than two or three years, at which time, pro- 

 bably, the plant will require shifting into a larger one. There 



