78 



and blocks were almost exclusively used for epiphytal species. They 

 are obtained in a great variety of siz s and shapes ; some very artistic, 

 such as Mr. Matthews occasionally exhibits, and others of plainer 

 design, but equally useful. Those with perforated sides are preferred 

 by some, and they have the advantage of affording a quick drainage, 

 which is necessary if deep pots are used . Shallow pots or deep pans 

 for large specimens are, however, being more generally employed, and 

 of late small pans, 3 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches in diameter, have 

 become popular for many Orchids, and it is astonishing what pretty 

 plants can be grown in them, Odontoglossums of the Cervantesi and 

 Rossi character, Sophronitis, and other small Orchids doing well, 

 while some of the Dendrobiums succeed ar"mTably in the same way. 

 All, in fact, that do not need much root space. Where insects are 



Fig. 15.-An Orchid Pan. 



troublesome it is a common practice to invert a pot in a saucer of 

 water and place the other on this ; but a simpler way of accomplish- 

 ing the same object is afforded by the Orchid pan employed at 

 Downside, Leatheih 'ad, which was prepared from a design by the 

 gardener, Mr. Woolford. It consists of an ordinary saucer, in the 

 centre of which arises a little pillar expanded at the top into a 

 flattened plate, upon which the pot is placed. The saucer being then 

 filled with water, no insects can pass from the stage to the plant. 



BASKETS AND BLOCKS Baskets suitable for Orchids are readily 

 constructed, but they are now so cheap that it is much better to 

 purchase them from some of the dealers, from whom they can be 

 obtained of any size desired and of several forms. They are mostly 

 made of teak, and are very durable, though constantly exposed to 



