78 ORCHIDS. 



The terrestrial Orchids we should grow are the rarer 

 exotic species, of which many are remarkable for gorgeous 

 flowers. 



As a general rule they require a stronger compost than 

 the epiphytal species. It should be composed of turfy 

 loam chopped into pieces about the size of a walnut, leaf- 

 mould, and a little well rotted cow dung. These shoul-4 

 be well mixed together. 



They do not require as much drainage as epiphytes : 

 two inches of potsherds, broken rather small, will .be 

 enough ; on that put a layer of moss, then some of the 

 rough peat and fill in with the compost. 



The plant should be placed one inch below the rim of 

 the pot. 



Water should be sparingly given at first, but when the 

 plants are about six inches high, they may have a good 

 supply. 



They should be potted just when they begin to grow 

 after the resting season. During the season of rest they 

 should have less water than epiphytes j in fact only 

 enough to keep the earth damp that the plants may not 

 dry up ; and some species none at all. 



The temperature at which these plants must be grown 

 must be regulated by that of their native country. Some 

 need the heat of a stove, others the Mexican house, and 

 some flourish well in the greenhouse. Plants of the 

 same genus may require different treatment ; thus we 

 find stove, cool house, and greenhouse Cypripediums. 



These plants usually make a rapid growth, produce 

 their flowers, and then go to rest. The foliage should be 

 well grown, allowed to ripen gradually, and the plant only 

 put to rest when it is withered. In growing these plants 



