ORCHIDS : HOW TO GROW THEM SUCCESSFULLY. 55 



advantageous to their well-being when we can arrange to reproduce as 

 nearly as possible their natural surroundings, and this, combined with 

 good attention, are undoubtedly the two most important points to be 

 observed in their cultivation ; for if an Orchid is given a place which 

 suits it, and due attention is paid to the plant and its natural require- 

 ments, success and credit to the cultivator will be assured. Theory is, 

 however, a great help to the practical man, and much information may 

 be gained from the writings of others, which, if used in conjunction 

 with experience already acquired, will lead to a better appreciation of 

 his work and bring out many important points for his study and 

 consideration, thus increasing each year his store of useful knowledge, 

 a circumstance not to be' despised by any cultivator, however eminent. 

 When Orchids are growing satisfactorily, and look healthy and well, it 

 is a conclusive proof that the conditions under which they are grown, 

 and the position they occupy, are in every way suitable. 



Sickly plants are always to be found in every collection, and their 

 unhealthiness may be attributed to various causes, the true one 

 invariably being traced to the fact that some simple want has not been 

 attended to or is not understood. Thrip and other insects find it more 

 difficult to make headway and increase when plants are in their proper 

 element. As to position, some plants will thrive the year through 

 without change ; whereas, with Dendrobiums and others frequent 

 changes and re-arrangement are beneficial. 



Some Orchids such as Cypripediums, and Cool-house kinds, thrive 

 better in the shade, whilst Cattleyas, Lselias, and Dendrobiums prefer 

 more light. Some do best when suspended, others placed on a side 

 stage, whilst instances have occurred when a plant failing to grow at 

 one end of the house has thrived and grew luxuriantly when moved to 

 the other end. A casual visitor would probably fail to see any reason 

 for this; but it would soon become evident to the grower that the 

 plant experienced a decided advantage in one position denied to it in 

 the other. In many cases this is caused by the plants getting a better 

 current of air, or more moisture, more sun, or shade, or any other 

 thing conducive to its well-doing. 



I find shelves to be extremely useful in this respect, and use 

 plenty of them hanging over the paths, from 12 to 18 inches from the 

 glass, also over the door and at the far end of the house, or in any 

 other place where they do not obstruct the light much from the plants 

 on the stages. These shelves meet the requirements of some Orchids to 

 perfection, especially those which require light and air, or are shy 

 bloomers when grown on the side stages with other plants. They 

 are admirable places to resuscitate weakly plants; while I always 

 prefer them for my very choicest and rare specimens. This subject 

 will be treated on more fully when referring to Cool, Intermediate, 

 and Warm houses. 



