TJTENSIIS BASKETS. 



baskets, the roots will be so firmly fixed to the lumps of dry peat 

 that, if these lumps are not softened by steeping them in the water, 

 the roots will be broken and otherwise greatly injured ; but if 

 steeped for two or three hours the peat then is easily separated 

 from the roots without injury to the latter. 



Baskets. The grower will soon find that baskets are 

 necessary, and for this reason that some species, especially of 

 Stanhopea, Acinetas, and a few Peristerias, send their flower- 

 stems down through the soil. Now, if these are grown in pots, 

 it is evident that the greater part of the flower- stems will 

 perish. The baskets should be of a size in proportion to the 

 size of the plants. The smallest may be six inches square, the 

 next twelve, and the largest eighteen inches. To make these 

 baskets, iron, brass, and copper, have been used. I object to 

 the first, because it rusts so soon in the damp Orchid-house, and 

 the other two are too expensive. Earthenware also has been 

 converted into baskets for Orchids ; but its great weight and 

 liability to break renders it undesirable. After having tried all 

 these, I have come to the conclusion that the best material for 

 baskets for Orchids is long Hazel rods j the smallest, for small 

 baskets, about the thickness of one's middle finger, and the 

 largest as thick as one's wrist, with proportionate intermediate 

 sizes. Saw them into proper lengths, and with a sharp-pointed 

 iron borer made red hot, bore a hole through each end. Then 

 have ready some copper wire cut into the right lengths ; lay 

 down for small baskets two rods six inches long, and upon these 

 at right angles three rods at equal distance. Nail these to the 

 two first with small copper flat-headed nails, then turn over 

 this first layer and place two more to form the other two sides of 

 the baskets. Then take four pieces of the wire, make a loop at 

 one end of each, and then draw the other ends through the holes 

 at the four corners of the basket. Slip over two more at oppo- 

 site sides, and then two more to fit upon them at the other two 

 sides. For the smallest three rods deep will be sufficient. Wedge 

 the wires vrith small wooden wedges at each corner, and then the 



