MODE OF MAKING BASKETS. 29 



cinndbarinum and crassifolium ; these will form plants on 

 the tops of the old flower-stalks ; they should be left till 

 they have made their growth, they should then be cut off 

 and potted, and they will soon make good plants. Some 

 Dendrobiums will also form plants on the tops of the old 

 pseudo-bulbs, and they should be treated in the same way. 



Mode of producing Back Breaks. 



There are many of our Orchids that will keep on growing 

 year after year, and yet produce only one flowering bulb each 

 year; but if the plants are cut they will produce back breaks, 

 increasing, and soon make fine specimens. This is the way 

 to produce such plants as are seen every year at the London 

 Exhibitions. Some plants are more easy to increase than 

 others. The Cattleyas are of this kind. When you have a 

 plant that has back bulbs, if there are about four, cut the 

 plant in two between the bulbs, but not to disturb the 

 plant ; let the bulbs keep in the same place. The best time 

 to cut all Orchids is during their season of rest, or just as they 

 are beginning to grow. All other Orchids that have bulbs 

 should be treated in the same way, if it be desirable to 

 increase them. 



On the Mode of making Baskets, and the best Wood for 

 that Purpose. 



Blocks or baskets are more natural for true air-plants, 

 such as Vandas, fiaccolabiums, Aerides, Angrcecums, Plialcenop- 

 sis, &c. ; when planted in baskets or on blocks, they send out 

 their roots much stronger into the air, and suck up the 

 moisture, whereas, if their roots are covered too much, they 

 are very apt to rot. Various materials are used for forming 

 baskets ; some are made of copper wire, which is very durable : 

 but I prefer those made of wood, on account of their rustic 

 appearance, and the roots like to cling to the wood. The 

 best kind of wood is maple or hazel, and the best baskets 



