CHAPTER XVIII. 



ORCHIDS FOR HOUSE DECORATION AND FOR THE MARKET. 



WE have in a former chapter referred to the length 

 of time the flowers of Orchids remain in perfec- 

 tion. This quality admirably fits them for house decora- 

 tion. It might be inferred, from the atmosphere neces- 

 sary for their growth, that Orchids would suffer when 

 removed to the far dryer air of the parlor, but such for- 

 tunately is not the case. 



Most Orchids bloom when the growth is complete or 

 just beginning, when in fact there is no immature growth, 

 the pseudo-bulbs having become hard, or the growing bud 

 being so young that a check does it no injury, so that a 

 change of temperature is seldom injurious to the plant. 



When kept in the close atmosphere of the Orchid 

 house, the flowers of Orchids are short-lived compared 

 with their duration when removed to a cooler and dryer 

 air. Moisture in the air is injurious to most Orchid 

 flowers, causing them soon to become spotted and un- 

 sightly. It is therefore the practice of all Orchid growers 

 to remove Orchids in bloom to a cooler and dryer atmos- 

 phere, and manyfchave an exhibition house where the 

 Orchids are arranged with ferns, which supply the want 

 of foliage in many of the species, and present a beautiful 

 show. 



Plants in flower add much to the attractions of the hall 

 and parlor, and it is as easy to have choice exotics as a 



