BUDS, BLOOM, AND EARLY BIRD 



sundries. Orchids are grown sufficiently largely in Feb. 

 these days to justify its being made into a recognised I5"28 

 commercial unit. With it may be procured a supply 

 of Sphagnum Moss, which is a particular kind used 

 extensively for Orchids, and generally associated with 

 peat. 



A considerable quantity of crocks are also required 

 in Orchid growing. These 

 (pieces of broken flower pot) 

 accumulate in all gardens where 

 pot plants are grown ; but if it 

 is necessary to purchase them 

 there need be no difficulty, as 

 any florist or garden sundries- 

 man will supply them. Charcoal 

 is also useful. 



When house and materials 

 are ready the Orchids may be 

 bought, either at a nursery or 

 an auction sale. The beginner 

 should try to get the advice of 

 an expert friend in the latter 

 case, or he might employ one of 

 the buying agents who frequent 

 the auction rooms to purchase 

 on commission for amateurs who 

 are unable to be present them- 

 selves. 



He may like to try a few 

 Cattleyas, which are Orchids of large size and glorious 

 colour. Mossiae (late spring) is the best known species, 

 and next to it Trianae (winter). There are always 

 thousands of the former going at the sales, and the 

 price is low. They will like the warmer house. 



lOI 



Fig. 30. — Potting Orchids. 



a. Empty inverted pot over 



the drainage hole. 



b. Crocks and charcoal. 



c. Roots. 



d. Roots covered ^'iKh. sphag- 



num moss well above the 

 rim. 



