82 GHOWING- IN POTS. 



a large number of species. Let a sufficient quantity be procured 

 and mixed together, and frequently turned to become amalga- 

 mated, mellowed, and fit for use, 



Loam, Sandy Peat, and Leaf Mould. This compost will be 

 found necessary for most of the North American species, and also 

 for such as are found in English woods, and for some European 

 species. I have this compost prepared, mixed together and 

 turned over for a few months to mellow. 



Excepting the boggy peat, which I think is best to be kept in 

 a shady place, all the other soils and composts should be placed 

 in an open part of the garden fully exposed to the sun, which has 

 a very beneficial effect upon them. There cannot be a greater 

 mistake made than that of placing soils for delicate plants under 

 trees, or behind a wall on the north side. Air and light are great 

 mollifiers of soils ; and the frequent turnings over of composts 

 have the beneficial effect of exposing every particle of the soil to 

 the air, heat, and light. I cannot press this part of the subject 

 too strongly. I believe great mischief has been done to plants 

 by using soils that have been laid up in improper places. Let 

 the composts, then, be placed on a plot of ground fully exposed 

 to the beneficial effects of the elements. 



IN POTS. The advantages of growing hardy Orchids in pots, 

 are : 1st. The more complete command over the season of growth 

 and the season of rest. If they are in pots they may be watered 

 just as they require that element, giving them when first starting 

 into growth a moderate quantity, just sufficient to moisten the 

 soil, and gradually increasing it as the roots and foliage ad- 

 vance in action ; and when the bloom is over and the foliage 

 begins to decay, the water can be withheld and gradually reduced 

 till the plants are completely dormant. Then the soil should 

 be as nearly dry as possible, and kept so till the growing season 

 returns. 2ndly. When in pots they can be easily and safely 

 removed, and placed under shelter in severe weather ; for although 

 they are quite hardy, yet, being in pots, the frost would enter 

 through the sides of the pots and endanger the safety of the fleshy 



