94 Nature and Habits of Orchids. 



dr}-, epiphytes are unknown. No country, however, exhibits in a more 

 striking manner than the East Indies the necessity of a hot and damp 

 climate for the production of epiphytes. In the Malayan Archipelago, the 

 mean temperature of which is estimated at between 77° and 78°, where 

 the atmosphere is always very damp, they are found in profusion. In 

 Nepaul, they occur upon the sides of the lower mountains, where they grow 

 amongst clouds and constant showers ; while on the continent of India 

 they are almost wholly unknown, except in the mountain-valleys. 



In Mexico and Central America, the provinces most prolific in orchids 

 are Oaxaca, Honduras, and Guatimala : they are also plenty upon the 

 Isthmus. 



The conditions of orchid-growth can thus be easily stated. In their 

 native countries they are exposed to a dry season, during which they rest ; 

 and to a rainy season, when the heat is higher, and the air moist nearly 

 to saturation. To grow orchids in any perfection, their native climate must, 

 to a certain extent, be imitated : that is, they must have a period of rest in 

 a dry and comparatively cool atmosphere ; and, during their growth and 

 flowering, they should be exposed to a high, moist temperature. As orchids 

 principally grow on the trunks and branches of trees, it is important that 

 they should be exposed to a free current of air, and also to the light. The 

 plants should not, however, be exposed directly to the sun's rays, which are 

 apt to scorch the leaves and wither the flowers ; and some species require 

 constant shade. 



The great heat and moisture are only necessary while the plants are in 

 vigorous growth ; and this period should be during spring and summer, 

 the best period of rest being from November till March. It should be 

 understood that it is this long season of rest which predisposes the plant 

 to blossom. Of course, these rules of growth and rest can be stated only 

 in general terms. There are certain kinds which grow uninterruptedly 

 throughout the year ; and again, even of those which go to rest periodically 

 on the completion of their growth, it does not always happen that their 

 time of rest corresponds with that of the largest number. As we come in 

 course to mention the different species, their proper time of rest, if pecu- 

 liar, will be indicated. 



