VI 1 



These " back walls " are only seldom found in modern 

 horcicultural structures ; but they were not without their 

 merits. 



At this period, with the exaeptions above mentioned, 

 the orchids at Kew " were potted in common soil, and 

 the pots plunged to the rim in a tan bed." It is not 

 surprising that their cultivation was attended with little 

 success. 



A little earlier than this the first step was taken in 

 the direction of modern treatment. Sir Joseph Banks 

 devised and carried out at Isleworth a method which 

 was " one of the most successful modes of treating 

 epiphytal orchids then known." Mr. H. J. Veitch, F.L.S., 

 in his excellent historical account of " Orchid Culture 

 past and present" {Journ. R. Hart. Soc, 1889, xi., 

 pp. .115-126), remarks: — "This was the first rude fore- 

 runner of our modern orchid basket, and the first 

 instance I find recorded of moss being used for sur- 

 facing " (p. 118). 



According to .John Smith {Records, pp. 229, 230) : — 

 " Between the years 1823 and 182.'3 a considerable 

 number of species were received from Trinidad, for- 

 warded by Mr. David Lockhart, the superintendent of 

 llie garden, amongst which were the first plants of 

 Slanhnpm, rnMgnis, Onndiu/ii Papilio, Lockhartia 

 rlf>ga7ifi, Catasefmn tridfntafum, lonojjsis pallid i flora, 

 and others, all of which were epiphytal, and many of 

 them being sent growing on portions of branches as 

 cut from the trees, which being accompanied by instruc- 

 tions from Mr. Lockhart as to how they should be treated, 

 led to the successful cultivation of epi])hytal orchids." 



