68 WATERING. 



four corners, and then slip rods alternately down the wires till 

 a sufficient number are laid to form the basket. Then bring the 

 wires together at the top, give them a twist or two, and the 

 basket is finished. Four inches are a sufficient depth for the 

 smallest size, and add more in proportion as the greater size is 

 required, making the rods at the sides and bottom thicker and 

 longer in proportion to the size. 



In putting the plants in the basket follow this plan : Cover 

 the bottom with moss, then put in a layer of the rougher part of 

 the compost, and then place the plant in the middle, and fill 

 round it with the compost exactly the same as for those in pots. 

 Practice will make all this easy enough much easier than it 

 is for me to describe it. As soon as the plant is placed in the 

 basket give it a good watering, and hang it up in its place. 



WATEKING. There is no point of Orchid culture that is so im- 

 portant as clue supplies of water. Two implements are necessary 

 viz., the garden-pot and the syringe, and I may add a third, 

 a cistern. The first is to be used for plants in pots, the second 

 for blocks, and the third for both blocks and more especially 

 baskets. In applying this necessary element, due regard must be 

 given to the state of the growth of the plants. In pots, water 

 should be given in small quantities at first, and always with the 

 chill off. When the growths are young give water round the 

 edges of the pots so as not to wefc the young shoots. After- 

 wards when the pseudo-bulbs are half swollen, give water more 

 freely, and when they are nearly full grown, give water abun- 

 dantly to cause large and free growth. Then, when the pseudo- 

 bulbs are fully grown, begin to reduce the quantity of water, and 

 gradually lessen it till symptoms of rest are perceptible. After 

 that only give sufficient to keep them from shrivelling. Let the 

 same ideas guide the cultivator in using the syringe, Plants on 

 blocks when growing should be syringed morning and evening ; 

 but when the growths are young, and the days short and dull, 

 syringe only in the morning. When the plants on log& are at 

 rest, once a-week will be sufficient to keep them from shrivelling. 



