194 AN ESSAY. 



have been told that half a dozen or so of different 

 structures are necessary to cultivate orchids success- 

 fully. This number of residences for one single family 

 of plants seems to me too extravagnant, too lavish. 

 The mere enumeration of the names of those dwellings 

 congeals the blood of my, perhaps, overheated under- 

 standing, as much so as do the long lists of florists* 

 flowers, myriads of unmeaning names to fill up cata- 

 logues of " capita mortua" dead-heads, or next to ; a 

 difference in names and prices only, a catch-penny 

 trap. I think I will be liberal, generous, in allowing 

 this aristocratic family of plants three residences (un- 

 less it should be composed of many generations in 

 that case it would require more room), and on one con- 

 dition that it will live in peace with other hetero- 

 geneous families, such as Crotons, Dracwnas, etc., etc. 

 a hot-house for Phaloenopsis Yandas, Angrsecum and 

 congeners, kept as recommended minimum heat by 

 night in winter, 60, 65. A few degrees, more or less, 

 will not hurt any thing, unless it should be the notions 

 of some horticulturists ; but this will not injure the 

 plants if well taken care of. One intermediate house 

 (with the same reserves as above, sociability with each 

 other) kept 50, 55, 60. This sort of half-way house 

 will answer for resting or retarding some plants, if not 

 kept too moist .... And one cool house, i. e., 

 that you will keep as cool as you will be able to do it, 



