69 



leaves being occasionally used as the moisture-holding substance. 

 In many houses, especially those for Od mtoglossurns, tanks are 

 constructed on each side of the path under the stages to serve as 

 reservoirs of rain water, and to provide a continual supply of moisture 

 in the air. If intended merely for the latter purpose they are 

 usually only shallow troughs, 4 to 6 inches deep. Paths can be 

 formed as desired, those of red or ornamental tiles having the bett 

 appearance, but those of any loose material, or even of the earth 

 itself, are equally good as regards the health of the plants. 



From the for going remarks it will be seen that houses can be 

 easily alttred ai.d fitted to suit Orchids ; but in some gardens it may 

 not be convenient to go to that length, and the houses must be 

 utilised as they are. This need not deter anyone from commencing 

 the culture of Oichids, for some of the best can be grown with other 

 plants For instance, the ordinary stove will accommodate a far 

 greater number of tropical Orchids than is usually supposed. Vineries 

 or Peach houses where forcing is proceeding exactly suit numbers, 

 such as Dendrobium Lobi'e ; and a warm conservatory, which in some 

 places is maintained at a temperature intermediate between that of a 

 stove and a greenhouse, is admirably adaoted for many Orchids 

 when in flower ; anl we have seen some extremely pretty effects 

 produced by the tasteful grouping of Deridrobiums, Oncidiums, 

 Odontoglossums, Cyp:ipediums, and even Phalsenopses, with Ferns 

 and graceful foliage plants. At Furzedown, Tooting, the residence of 

 C. Seeley, Esq , the gardener, Mr. Laing, has for many years 

 made groups of this character a special feature in the conserva- 

 tory early in the season. Cucumber and Melon houses, Piue pits, 

 forcing houses, propagating houses, warm frames, and other structures 

 afford abundant space and cjnvenience for the majority of heat- 

 loving Orchids, the only house really unsuited for such plants being 

 the greenhouse, in which the atmosphere is too dry and the plants too 

 much exposed to draughts to thrive. 



An instance was given some time ago in the Journal of Horticul- 

 ture, showing how an amateur had succeeded in growing Orchids in a 

 small case erected on a lead outside a window, whioh is worth notice 

 as illustrating how easily Orchids can be accommodated. A diagram 

 of this is given in fig. 14 which will be understood from the following 

 explanation : a, the case 6 feet long by 3 feet wide ; &, the window 

 of the sitting room ; c t glass door with 6 inches between it and the 

 window, in order to prevent damp entering the room ; d t d, venti- 

 lators - r e, body of the case 6 inches deep, filled with sand, the bottom 

 being well drained ; /, /, hot- water pipes. The ventilators were 

 wooden shutters 18 inches long and 6 inches wide, the space opposite 

 these inside being covered with a woollen Let on a frame to filter the 

 air as it passed through. In this miniature structure with liberal 

 supplies of water the owner succeeded in grow'ng the following 



