8 ORCHIDS 



Imported Orchids. 



exhibit considerable energ)- in the importation of 

 Orchids ; but unless those collecting have a knowledge of 

 the species, efforts in this direction usually end un- 

 satisfactorily. The writer has frequently been called 

 upon for advice after such importations have arrived, and 

 no more undesirable position can a man be placed in 

 than to be compelled to laj- bare the fact that the plants 

 collected with so much labour, transferred to the coast, 

 carefully packed in cases, diligently attended on the 

 homeward route, and for which heavy freightage has been 

 paid, are not worth so much as the boxes that contain 

 them. Yet such is the general result of amateur en- 

 deavours in this direction. 



The treatment of imported plants when they arrive 

 has now become so generally understood that only a 

 few hints are necessary. In the first place all warm- 

 growing kinds should not be immediately transferred to 

 the hot division as soon as received. By gradually 

 bringing the plants under their intended growing 

 conditions they generally regain their normal state with 

 little apparent ill-effect. The receptacles for the plants 

 should not be too large, and ample drainage should 

 be provided. 



The cool-growing sections may be laid out on beds of 

 ashes or some other moisture-retaining material. Here 

 they quickly regain their normal conditions, commence to 

 emit new roots, and produce young growth. They may 

 then be transferred to small receptacles containing as 

 little material as possible. 



Water must be sparingly and carefully afforded until 

 the growth gets well awaj- from the base, when more 

 liberal treatment may be given. All overhanging pseudo- 

 bulbs should be secured, and the plants made as neat in 

 appearance as possible. 



General Culture. 



The requirements of the various species often differ so 

 materially that it has been decided to deal with the 

 actual culture of each family as it is reached, and before 

 referring in detail to the species and varieties best known 

 to cultix-ation. 



