80 DESCBIPTION. 



divisions in a similar soil to that in which the plant had grown 

 in its native habitat, and planting them also in a similar situa- 

 tion to that in which they grew wild. This method must be 

 adopted with every species in order to succeed in growing and 

 keeping them. But then, again, they must be removed when 

 perfectly dormant ; for their fleshy, tuberous, or fibrous roots are 

 so fragile when in a state of excitement, that to move them then is 

 almost certain and early destruction. It may be asked, How are 

 we to find them when no leaves are visible to show where the 

 roots are ? In answer I say, Look for them when in flower or 

 foliage ; mark the place securely, by driving a stake by their side, 

 and then search for and remove them when they are in a dor. 

 mant state. They are well worth this extra trouble. 



Many of the species seed freely. Now, if the seed is gathered 

 when ripe, and sown in a similar soil and situation to that where 

 the parent plant grows, the seedlings will thrive well also. This 

 is not an untried plan, for I have raised them so, and bloomed 

 them too when they had acquired the proper age and strength. 



By these two methods namely, collecting the roots when at 

 rest, and packing them in moist soil, and by gathering the ripe 

 seeds, a great number of foreign hardy Orchids might be sent 

 home by collectors ; but then the collector should also send us 

 some account of the localities each species was found in, and 

 what sort of soil the plants grew in. Some are found on dry, 

 chalky hills ; others in loamy pastures ; some in low thickets, and 

 others under lofty trees in forest land ; some in strong soil, others 

 among decayed leaf mould, and others in sandy peat. 



Now, if we receive plants from these different soils and localities 

 of growth, and subject them to one uniform soil, is it likely that 

 they will thrive and bloom well ? Every experienced cultivator 

 of any kind of plants would immediately answer in the negative. 

 What, then ? Are we to give up the attempt to grow these singular 

 and beautiful plants ? I say, Most certainly not. Let us try again 

 and again, till success crowns our efforts. A partial success has 

 been achieved, as I have mentioned above, and it only needs a 



