10 orchid-geowee's manual. 



on the low grounds or plains, and they are also met -with as we 

 ascend the mountains up to an elevation of 14,000 feet above 

 the level of the sea. At this altitude, in New Grenada, On- 

 cidium nubic/enwn flourishes. This is, we believe, the greatest 

 altitude at which these plants are recorded to have been found. 

 Odontoglossum Alexandra, and O. Bluntii occur at from 7,000 

 to 8,000 feet elevation, as does 0. luteo-purimreiim and its 

 varieties, together with Masdevallias, Bestrepias, and mam- 

 others from Peru and New Grenada. At such elevations, as a 

 matter of course, the plants are naturally subjected to a low 

 temperature, an abundant supply of water, and a very moist 

 atmosphere throughout the year, and consequently they cannot 

 endure a resting season or a period of drought vmder cultiva- 

 tion. But if we turn to the Eastern Continent, we find such 

 plants as Dendrohium infundibulum, D. Jamesianum, D. chrij- 

 sotoxum, D. Farmeri, D. suavissinmm, Aerides Lobbii, Sacco- 

 lahhun ampuUaceum, S. f/iganteum, Cypripedium concoJor, 

 Cyinbidiwn tigrinum, &c., all growing at elevations varying from 

 2,000 to 7,000 feet, enjoying a copious supply of water during 

 their period of growth, and subjected to a very severe resting 

 season. Now, as these plants grow upon the stems and 

 branches of the forest trees, or upon rocks, they must neces- 

 sarily be exposed to all the breezes that blow. How reprehen- 

 sible, then, is the practice of many growers of Orchids in 

 trying to exclude fresh air from their Orchid houses. For the 

 well-being of Orchids, it should be remembered that a free 

 circulation of air is absolutely necessary, as well as an abun- 

 dance of light ; but cold draughts, and also the burning effects 

 of the sun's rays, must be avoided, for it is not essential to 

 their well-being to be hung up close to the glass, fully exposed 

 to the blazing sun ; indeed, the life of the plants would, under 

 such circumstances, soon be sucked out of them if shading 

 were not provided. 



