The Nature of Orchids 



sanitary rules in Belgium, but these canals serve, 

 in fact, as sewers, whether lawfully or no. The 

 pollution is not serious in such a volume of water 

 it does no harm, perhaps, to human beings but 

 that fractional quantity of manure may be just 

 the amount which benefits an orchid without evil 

 consequences. So it appears to me. But I make 

 the observation ; I give no advice. 



Stimulants in the atmosphere are another thing. 

 All gardeners of experience would like to drench 

 the floor of the orchid-house with the drainings of 

 the stable-yard the farm-yard for choice once a 

 week, if not twice. They are not always allowed 

 their way, however. It would seem easy to give 

 the plants what they desire in a form less objection- 

 able, for it is only ammonia. Neat little machines 

 are advertised for the purpose, and often used. 

 But they do not appear to be very effectual, 

 somehow. 



