The Nature of Orchids 



sanitary rules in Belgium, but these canals serve, 

 in fact, as sewers, whether lawfully or no. The 

 pollution is not serious in such a volume of water 

 — it does no harm, perhaps, to human beings — but 

 that fractional quantity of manure may be just 

 the amount which beneiits an orchid without evil 

 consequences. So it appears to me. But I make 

 the observation ; I give no advice. 



Stimulants in the atmosphere are another thing. 

 All gardeners of experience would like to drench 

 the floor of the orchid-house with the drainings of 

 the stable-yard — the farm-yard for choice — once a 

 week, if not twice. They are not always allowed 

 their way, however. It would seem easy to give 

 the plants what they desire in a form less objection- 

 able, for it is only ammonia. Neat little machines 

 are advertised for the purpose, and often used. 

 But they do not appear to be very effectual, 

 somehow. 



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