422 orchid-geower's manual. 



at the roots being required during the growing season — in 

 fact, they never should be allowed to get dry at the roots. 

 The plan of having some live sphagnum moss growing on 

 the top of the soil is an excellent one, as it keeps a nice 

 wholesome moisture about the roots, which they seem to 

 delight in. 



The demand for these plants has become very great, and 

 this is not to be wondered at, for they are a very lovely class 

 of flowers, and can be grown in a cool house at a less expense 

 than the more stately Brazilian and East Indian Orchids. In 

 the form of cut blooms and otherwise, they yield very much 

 enjoyment to lady cultivators. The flowers of many of them 

 are exquisitely beautiful, and they continue a long time in 

 perfection. It is much to be regretted they have been so 

 difficult to import : many thousands of the plants collected 

 from their native habitats having died before they reached 

 this country. We have opened many boxes of these valuable 

 plants, and have found them all dead, and we have also had 

 many arrive in excellent condition. Of late years the methods 

 of packing these plants have been much improved upon, and 

 now one can depend upon a larger proportion reaching this 

 country in a living state. 



Shade is very essential to the well-being of this class of 

 plants ; some growers prefer a north house, but a little sun 

 is very beneficial. They require a liberal supply of air and 

 moisture, great care being taken to prevent cold draughts. 



Some of the species are subject to insects, such as red 

 thrips, &c., especially if kept a little too warm. When any 

 sign of these pests is seen the plants should be well washed 

 with clean water, for if they are allowed to become seriously 

 infested, the foHage will soon be disfigured by the brown 

 marks caused by the iasects. They are propagated by 

 separating the pseudobulbs just as they begin to grow. 



