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employed very sparingly and \\ith great judgment for the majority. 

 It is true that many tropical Orchids grow v\ here there is naturally a 

 luxuriant vegetation, and the gases arising from the rapid decomposi- 

 tion may be supposed to be beneficial j also that bird guano deposited 

 upon the stems and branches of trees may afford some support of this 

 kind. Under artificial conditions it is, however, necessary to be ex- 

 tremely cautious or much injury will result, and beginners had better 

 abstain from dangerous experiments until they gain mere knowledge 

 of Orchid culture. Some experienced cultivators have, however, 

 proved that manures can be employed with advantage, and several 

 have been recommended for the purpose. Cow manure in an old and 

 partially exhausted condition is used for mixing with the soil for 

 strong terrestrial Orchids, chiefly for those needing loam, and which 

 will be afterwards enumerated. Horse, sheep manure, and soot are 

 similarly used, but the most elaborate trials appear to have been 

 made with Jensen's fish manure, Mr. A. Borwick of Higham Hill, 

 Walthamstow, having tried it generally on a miscellaneous collection 

 of Orchids with evident advantage to the majority, especially 

 Cymbidmms, Lycastes, and Coelogynes, which have made very strong 

 growths. This was used at the rate of a 48-potful to a banowload 

 of peat or ether soil ; but it is safer to use a smaller quantity, and in 

 any case this or any other manure should be thoroughly mixed with 

 the compost. The manures named are also used as liquids diluted 

 with water, but these must always be very weak scarcely tinged ; or 

 in the case of the fish potash oz. to a gallon is ample, and less is 

 advisable. As liquids, and for sprinkling upon the stages or floors of 

 houses, some persons have tried nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, 

 and carbonate of ammonia, which are dissolved in water and then 

 sprinkled about. Sometimes pieces of the carbonate are placed in 

 jars in the pipes and allowed to remain there constantly, thus giving 

 off a supply of ammonia. Experiments of this kind have been found 

 to improve the colour of the foliage wonderfully ; but when given 

 to the plants in a comparatively strong state they either make a 

 vigorous growth and become exhausted and turn yellow, or their 

 roots are at once killed. At The Grange, Wallington, the residence 

 of A. H. Smee, Esq , where so many interesting experiments have 

 qeen tried, Clan's fertiliser has been employed for many Orchids, 

 applied as a top-dressing for the strongest, or about a spoonful is 

 placed in a gallon of water, and the liquid thus formed is given to 

 the majority of terrestrial Orchids. A very s!rong specimen of 

 Cyrtopodium Saintlegerianum, which had been thus treated has been 

 exhibited and certificated at South Kensington. 



CULTURAL UTENSILS. 



POTS AND PANS. Large numbers of Orchids are now grown in 

 pots and pans, more so, perhaps, than formerly, when basktts, rafts, 



