A FEW HINTS ON ORCHIDS. 25 



dendrums, and Barkerias do better placed on a bare block as soon as re- 

 ceived; hanor them up against the wall of the house, if possible over a 

 tank of water; syringe frequently, and they will soon show signs of growth. 

 Terrestrial orchids should be potted when received, but be kept cool, and 

 supplied very moderately with water till they begin to grow ; then more 

 heat and more water. 



The best wood to grow orchids upon is said, by the English gardeners, to 

 be the acacia (Robinia pseudo acacia), with us called locust; the next the oak. 

 We have used rough-barked elm with success. The wood should be well 

 dried and deprived of its bark, Avhich, according to English growers, only 

 serves as a harbor for snails, wood lice, and cockroaches, which are the worst 

 foes to the orchid-grower's success. In our experience we have had no trouble 

 from any of these pests, though we cannot long hope to be without our 

 share of these troublesome insects. Pieces of cork, in our experience, are 

 very suitable for orchids, and can be readily obtained in any of our large 

 cities. Baskets may also be made of strips of cork, and are very durable. 

 In England, hazel and maple rods are considered the best for baskets, and 

 the rule is given that all resinous woods should be avoided. We have, 

 however, used baskets made of the ends of spruce poles, cut off from a 

 pole fence and well dried, and as yet can see no ill effects ; on the contrary, 

 the plants seein to thrive better than in pots, as, through the open slats of 

 the basket, a free circulation of air is obtained, and no water can saturate 

 the roots. Very pretty wooden stands may also be made of the ends of 

 spruce poles, in which plants thrive better than in pots. We have now 

 thriving finely in stands of this kind a large plant of Aerides odoratum and 

 a large Cymbidium. Large plants of epiphytal orchids, especially the large- 

 growing Cattleyas, will grow better in pots than on blocks. 



In potting, always give perfect drainage. A good rule is to fill the pot 

 two thirds full of crocks, and to invert a small pot over the hole in the 

 bottom of the larger, then fill round it with crocks. Then fill in with turfy 

 peat, bits of crocks and charcoal. Elevate the plant on the compost, about 

 an inch or more above the rim of the pot, sloping the compost gently down 

 to the rim. Secure the plant in position by pegs or sticks, and they will 

 soon be able to sustain themselves. 



A few words about watering. This should always be done with water 

 the temperature of the house. To obtain this it is necessary to have a 

 cistern in the house, which should be supplied with water from the roof, as 

 rain water is most suitable for the plants. In lieu of a cistern, large tubs 

 of water should be placed in various parts of the house, which are also very 

 useful by supplying moisture to the air by evaporation. Another use is, 

 plants growing in baskets require to be dipped, as the water, as supplied 

 by the syringe, does not sufficiently saturate the ball of compost. During 

 the season of growth this should be frequently done, and the plants allowed 

 to become very wet, but never during the season of rest. 



The method of using the syringe. We have seen some gardeners play 

 away upon the plants as if they were holding the hose-pipe of an engine 

 and extinguishing a fire. This, if not positively detrimental, is of no ser- 



