These plants are not generally well cultivated, but in the case of those we saw 
at Messrs. Vervaet’s there seemed to be no difficulty about it. They were fixed on 
blocks of wood, which appears the most natural method of cultivating them; and no 
plants could be thriving better, producing finer foliage, or flowering more profusely than 
these. The appearance they presented when hanging from the roof was very charming, 
as the flowers and plants both seemed to be in their natural position, which of 
course conduces greatly to success in their cultivation, wherein it is wise in most 
cases to follow natural habits as closely as possible. They are found in their native 
country growing on the branches of trees in moist places, and in consequence when 
suspended from the roof they require abundance of water, which can easily be apphed 
with a syringe about the roots. We have seen them thrive well on blocks plunged 
in pots of fibrous peat, but in this way they frequently fail, and after two or three 
years’ growth the plants rot away. Of course there are exceptional cases in which 
they grow well for a longer period; but they will, we believe, be found to thrive | 
better and last longer in a suspended position, if they get shaded from the sun. 
Their leaves being broad and thin are apt to become spotted if exposed to the full 
sun heat, but they like plenty of light, which they get when hanging from the 
roof, besides which their growth becomes more robust, and their foliage stands © 
better. We find the cool end of the East Indian house to suit them. They 
require to be watered all the year round, not having bulbous stems to support 
them, and they take little rest, being generally in full vigour. In winter rather 
less water may be given, just sufficient to keep them plump. 
Insects must always be closely sought after, as the foliage of these plants is 
tender, such as these pests delight to feed upon. The species are propagated by — 
dividing them where there are one or two back shoots, with a young growth 
in front. 
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Warterine OrcHIps—We have found rain-water to be the best for Orchids and — 
for all kinds of plants, this being the water supplied in their natural habitats. 
Rain-water is easily to be obtained, by providing tanks under the stages, and 
allowing the rain-water to enter from the roof; in this way no room is lost. 
pump should be attached, in case the water gets low in dry weather, when it can 
be easily raised to the required height. 
a The i we adopt is to have a deep cemented tank in the centre of the 
=_— the stage, so that the top may be open; this allows the water 
which is standing in the tank to become somewhat warmed by contact with the 
atmosphere of the house, which is very beneficial ; in fact, Orchids should never be 
hagiont pes water that has not had the chill taken off, as cold water, especially 
r time, causes spot, and ma rot the tee inte 
: wth the roots. n 
this tank the rain-water : pe fee. Bere Oe 
Tuns from the roof, and as we have the New River water 
laid on as well, when rf. 
ain-water ig scarce we fill up with this, and thereby have 
a mixture of rain and hard water.—B. 8. W. : 
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