1853.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST . 341 



2 posed to it, the membranes quickly lose the power of absorption. J§j 

 cP The circumstances in which these plan's are found in their natural ^ 

 state are particularly favorable, not only for the growth and develop- \ 

 ment of their roots, but also for their power of absorption. We meet 

 with them chiefly in the so-called aboriginal woods of Brazil, the 

 northern parts of South America, India, &c. A high temperature, a 

 great degree of moisture, a damp bottom of mould, continually be- 

 coming thicker by the falling of leaves, and always in a state of de- 

 composition, by whfch many gases, carbonic acid, and ammonia are 

 communicated to the almost undisturbed atmosphere of those woods, 

 constitute the condition that most conduces to the growth of the air- 

 roots, which are thus exposed to all the circumstances that are most 

 favorable to the absorption and changing of substances, which is the 

 only object for the forming of new organs. If we can closely imi- 

 tate this combination of circumstances in our hothouses, we are cer- 

 tain of success in the cultivation of these beautiful plants. Experi- 

 ence teaches us that low houses are the best. ■ The presence of sub- 

 stances in a state of decomposition and emitting ammonia is also 

 required ; this last is necessary in every collection of plants. Moist- 

 ure, with a temperature of 66° to 75° Fahrenheit, must be artificially 

 procured, to produce a feeble imitation of what Nature exhibits to 

 us in her great laboratories. 



This formation of air-roots is not confined to the group of Orchids ; 

 it is also observed in several other groups of plants, as Arads and 

 Pandanese, which, however, in this respect demand a careful investi- 

 gation. — T. P., Gurd. Chron. 



To the Editor of the Philadelphia Florist, 



Sir : — What change has come over the principles of the "Florist," 

 that encourages you to write in such a style about the gardeners who 

 come here from Europe to make a living, and enrich and improve 

 American gardens by bringing with them European style and re- 

 finement 1 If such is to be your principles for the coming year, do 

 not add my name to your new list of subscribers. The reflections 

 made by "Anthophilus,'' as regards high wages and little to do, " let 

 the employer be satisfied or not, as long as he pays," such is not the 

 sole object looked for by the majority of gardeners in this vast Repub- 

 lic, but the reverse. True, why not remunerate gardeners in propor- 

 tion to their labor, the same as other tradesmen. In fact, there is no 

 { class of men in general so miserably paid for the amount of labour 

 Cl which they have to perform as gardeners. There has been enough on A 

 /£ that subject. F. N. G\ 



*§29bx . sxK&M 



