34 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 



Misconceptions have arisen from the notion that the compost retains 

 too much moisture, or that watering can never or only very rarely be 

 effected, and these must be removed if the system is to be generally 

 adopted. 



The author then goes on to discuss the general principles involved. 

 First he deprecates the system of cultivating Orchids under a glass roof as 

 epiphytes. They have constant need of nourishment during the season of 

 growth, but it is not practicable to supply this through the medium of the 

 air, so they must be supplied by frequent waterings enriched with liquid 

 manure, which is hardly easier to accomplish. Thus we must have a com- 

 post, and decide of what it shall consist. Fibres at first sight seemed 

 suitable, but formed too compact a mass. Then the finer parts were 

 removed, making the compost too light and liable to dry too quickly, to 

 obviate which sphagnum was added, to retain moisture, without preventing 

 the passage of air. This compost contained little nourishment, as the parts 

 that the plants could assimilate were taken away, hence the dwindling 

 demonstrated at the Congress, the plants having to draw upon the reserve 

 stores contained in the back bulbs. 



Leaves from the trees of our woods and forests, after their fall and 

 decomposition, serve perfectly to nourish exotic plants from any locality. 

 " A compost formed of these leaves, when used, as is the case with 

 Orchids, for plants of small size, replaces and even improves upon the 

 soil necessary for their establishment." On this theory is based my 

 plan of cultivating Orchids. Leaves, after their fall, have valuable nutritive 

 properties, and such a mixture can be formed as no other manure can equal, 

 especially for application in cases where the plants grow from seed, and are 

 varied in character. The basis of the compost should be leaves of oak and 

 beech, which are sufficiently durable, and with which other leaves could be 

 mixed, forming what is usually termed leaf-mould. M. Delanghe remarks 

 that he tried to solve the problem by following natural indications, and, from 

 the results, he thinks the culture of Orchids may become general. 



The method of use is briefly as follows :— Leaves that are not sufficiently 

 decayed should be sifted out, and if it still seems too compact, a little rough 

 sand should be added to ensure the passage of water. Pots of the usual 

 shape are used, with a single crock over the bottom ; and the soil is made 

 firm but not hard, and then covered with a light layer of sphagnum chopped 

 into inch lengths. This addition is not essential, but for the sake of 

 appearance, and because the soil, if exposed, becomes covered with minute 

 growths that prevent the air from penetrating. 



