give them the same free circulation of air they get in their native habitats, but 
we must use the best means at our command in order to imitate their natural 
conditions as nearly as possible; and thus by perseverance, attention, and observation, 
most of our cultural difficulties may be disposed of. We have grown our plants 
in the same house for many years, with no failures to speak of. There will 
necessarily always be some plants that thrive better than others, as in all classes 
of Orchids, although they may be receiving exactly the same treatment. 
Our plate was taken from a fine plant in the collection of KE. Wright, Esq., 
Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, who has been growing Orchids for many years, under the 
care of Mr. Hodges, who has had the management of them, and who has taken 
great interest in the plants under his charge. : 
Aérides virens, like all the other species of the genus, is evergreen, and has 
dark green foliage, about ten inches in length. The flower-spikes proceed from the 
axils of the leaves, on each side of the stem, and are about eight inches in 
length; the flowers are white, tipped with crimson-purple, and deliciously scented ; 
it produces its flowers during June and July, and continues from two to three 
weeks in perfection. 
The material we find to suit the Aérides is good live sphagnum moss, whether 
they are grown in pots or baskets; these should be three parts full of drainage, 
for which we use broken pots, filling up with moss, and a few broken potsherds 
mixed with it to keep it open. The moss must not be pressed too tightly in the 
pot or basket. They are best grown as much in the light as possible, being 
slightly shaded from the hot sun in summer; during autumn and winter they 
should have plenty of sun and light to induce them to form sturdy growth and 
bold firm leaves. On this generally depends their flowering. Some people keep 
them shaded too much, whereas they do not require a thick shade. 
This plant wants more attention than some growers give to it. The East 
Indian Orchids must never be kept too wet at the roots; and although, at times, 
they get a good deal of rain in their native country, yet it must be remembered 
that they there grow on trees, where they get a free circulation of air—not indoors, 
in pots or baskets, under which conditions we have to cultivate them. The tem- 
perature should range from 60° to 65° at night during winter, and may rise a 
few degrees higher by day; and as the days lengthen more heat may be given, 
but too much fire heat should always be avoided, 
—— ae sienna igs 
en renee 
