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THE ORCHIDE^ HOUSE. 



THE CULTIVATION OF ORCHIDE^. 



Orchideous plants are capable of reproducing themselves by seeds, and 

 no doubt this method is constantly going on in nature ; but the success of 

 man in attempting to turn to his advantage this natural property, has 

 hitherto been rarely successful. This is a matter of less regret, as the 

 majority of them are readily increased by the separation of their parts, 

 and is an illustration of one of the many wise provisions made by Nature, 

 namely, that plants which rarely produce perfect seed, are capable of 

 being increased by a variety of other means ; and again, such as are 

 incapable of certain multiplication by those very means, as most annuals, 

 and even a great many perennials, produce seeds in the greatest abundance. 



In regard to the cultivation of Orchideous plants, we find the following 

 very sensible and useful preHminary remarks by Mr. Paxton, in his very 

 excellent Magazine of Botany : — " It is advisable,'^ says he, " for every 

 cultivator, as much as possible, to learn the native habits and situation of 

 each separate species, in order to insure its successful management. Some 

 species are found in low dense woods, where scarcely any sun can pene- 

 trate ; others grow on the trees near the open breaks in the wood, where 

 they receive a Uttle sun, plenty of light, and a free, but damp air ; others, 

 again, are found growing on single trees, in damp but exposed situations ; 

 and others grow on single trees in elevated situations, where they are 

 subject to a drier air and the burning rays of a tropical sun. All these 

 kinds are subjected to a time of drought, and a somewhat low temperature 

 for three or four months in the year : the knowledge of which particulars 

 marks out the line to be pursued in the cultivation of the different 

 species. 



" The plants of the first kind require shading from the rays of the sun, 

 either by large plants in the house, by creepers, or by some other means, 

 and must have a hot and damp atmosphere. 



Those of the second kind should have a similar atmosphere, but 

 will endure more sunshine than the last. The greatest part of the species 

 come under this head. 



" Those of the third must also have a damp atmosphere, and plenty of 

 heat ; but they thrive best if exposed to the sun, except just at mid-day ; 

 for although the sun in the tropics shines with great power, it must be 

 remembered that the plants receive considerable shelter from the branches 

 of the trees, (although standing single), on which they grow. 



The third class require a lower temperature, less humidity, and nearly 



