orchid found growing wild in the hot, humid forests of Cen- 

 tral and South America, and a considerable portion of the 

 vanilla of commerce is gathered from wild plants found 

 growing in the forests of Mexico. 



731. Soil and Climate. A rich loamy vegetable soil, 

 is the best for the vanilla. An undrained, water-logged soil 

 causes the roots to rot, and it is therefore quite unsuited to the 

 cultivation of the orchid. The climate should be hot, and moist 

 and sheltered situations are indispensable, but the plants 

 must not be too much shaded, or the fruits will not ripen. 



732. Propagation. Cuttings 4 or 5 feet long are planted 

 at the foot of trees or other supports used for the vine to 

 grow on and in showery weather they soon take root. 



733. Cultivation. The fertilisation of the flowers has 

 to be done artificially and it is. necessary for the plants to 

 be trained so as to bring the flowers within reach of the hand. 

 The distances at which the supports on which the vines are 

 to climb are planted, should not be more than 6 feet. The 

 holes should be filled in with rich loam mixed with sand and 

 decayed leaves ; and if the plantation be in the vicinity of 

 the forest, the rich humus found on the surface of the ground 

 is sufficient for filling up the holes, The soil must be heaped 

 up so as to prevent water-logging at the base of the cutting. 

 The three lower leaves of the cuttings are removed, and 

 that portion of the stem planted 3 or 4 inches below the 

 surface. The remainder of the stem is then tied to the post 

 or tree by a flat band of plantain fibre, or by a cocoanut 

 leaflet. Round cord must not be used, as it is liable to cut 

 into and injure the green, succulent stem of the vanilla. The 

 ground over the buried part of the cutting is then mulched 

 with leaves or light brush-wood ; and if dry weather comes on, 

 frequent waterings will be necessary, until the cutting has 

 taken root. The ground must be kept free from weeds, and, 

 unless it be lightly shaded by growing trees, it will be ad- 

 visable in dry weather to keep the roots constantly mulched, 



