1852.] THE PH ILADE LPH IA FLOR IST. 239 



(^allowing the sun to injure them. An orchid house should be rather 

 cj lofty than otherwise, as it is almost impossible to maintain the regu- 

 I larity of temperature and atmospheric moisture, from the influence of 

 the great changes outside, in a low, small house — while regularity in 

 these matters is the very essence of success in orchid growing. To 

 maintain a fine atmospheric moisture, nothing is better than to have 

 the house heated by the "tank system," Where that cannot be com- 

 manded, a -'bark pit" should be built in the house, which may be 

 filled with any substance which will give out moisture. Sand is fre- 

 quently used, but liable to some objections in unskilful hands. It will 

 be drier at times than at others, which is opposed to that regularity 

 with which an orchid house should be kept — I prefer leaves or moss, 

 adding to them as they sink from decay. I have always also had a 

 notion that the very exhalations of decayed leaves, were of vast ser- 

 vice in the growth of orchids. 



In general cultivation I would divide them into four classes : 



First. Those which grow entirely on hard blocks, commonly 

 called Epiphytes. 



Second. Those which prefer to have decayed blocks, with moss 

 or peat on it, or to be grown in suspended baskets, which I would 

 term Sub-Epiphytes. 



Third. Those which grow in soil like most other plants, Ter- 

 restrial. 



Fourth. Those which are grown in pots, but with a large propor- 

 tion of moss, turfy peat, or broken charcoal. 



To the first class would belong many of the Oncidiums, B rough- 

 tonias, Vandas, JErides, Renanthera, Angrcecum, Saccolabium, Pha- 

 Icenopsis, Odontoglossum — although the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th of 

 these frequently like a little peat or moss on the block to start with. 

 To the second class I would refer some of the Oncidiums, most of the 

 Dendrobiums, most Epidendrums, Lcelia,Cattleya,Sckomburgkia, Bras- 

 savola, Galeandra, Camarotis, Fernandizta, Trichopilia, some of the 

 Oncidiums, Brassia, Miltonia, Stanhopea, Gongora, and Acropera. 

 To the third will belong Phajus, Bletia, Pesomeria, Cymbidium, Ca- 

 lanthe, Limodorum, Sobralia, Vanilla, and Eria. In the fourth I 

 would place some Dendrobiums, Pesomeria, Eulophia, Acanthophip- 

 pium, Ansellia, Peristeria, Huntley a, Zygvpetalum, Maxillaria, Ly- 

 caste, Catasetum, Cyrtopodium, Hcemaria, Ancectochilus, and Phy- 

 surus. 



The first division will require the most regular temperature, and 

 moistest part of the house, unless the house be very moist they should 

 be syringed lightly at least once a day. When they show symptoms 

 k of rest which will be known by the roots ceasing to grow at the 

 fe points, the syringe may be dispensed with. The next division will 



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