AERIDES. 97 



moisture about their roots, but too mucK must not be given 

 them in dull weather. 



Some persons grow their A'e rides in baskets and rafts made 

 of wood, but they may also be grown in pots or pans — a 

 mode of culture successfully followed by many of our culti- 

 vators, especially by those who exhibit, for when in pots the 

 plants are more easily moved about. Another point in favour 

 of pot culture is that baskets soon decay ; but if the plants 

 are not required for exhibition, we should advise some of the 

 smaller kinds to be grown in baskets, in which they have a 

 fine appearance, especially if there is room for suspending 

 them, allowing the roots to grow out of the basket. All the 

 kinds will succeed well in this way. 



In pot culture fill the pots about three-parts full of pot- 

 sherds, placing large pieces at the bottom, but finishing off at 

 the top with smaller ones ; above this fresh living sphagnum 

 moss should be used, and when this begins to decay fresh 

 moss should be given to keep all healthy. They all do well 

 on blocks of wood, but to grow them in perfection in this way 

 they require greater care as regards moisture. Sphagnum 

 moss and broken potsherds have proved the best materials 

 for filling baskets. They require frequent watering at the 

 roots during the growing season ; indeed, they shoull never 

 be allowed to become thoroughly dry, not even during their 

 season of rest, as if so they are liable to shrivel and lose 

 their lower leaves. 



The species of A'eridcs require but little repose, and the 

 moss should always be kept damp, but during the dull months 

 of winter no water should be allowed to lodge on the leaves 

 or in the heart of the plant, as it would be very apt to rot 

 them. The plants, if not in pots, should be suspended from 

 the roof, but not very near the glass, lest they should be 

 afi'ected by cold. 



