310 



EPIPHYTAL TROPICAL OUCHIDE^. 



the weather. All the strong-growing and many of the handsome species 

 will, if the plants of them be large> succeed and flower better in a low 

 temperature, as will nearly all the terrestrial species. The plants may be 

 syringed once a day in fine weather, and in very warai dry weather, a 

 more frequent syringing, if it be done with care, will be of service to 

 many of the species. As a general caution, be sparing of giving much 

 water to the roots, and keep up a moist heat. During the winter months, 

 the plants may be allowed to become more dry and cool, and this con- 

 dition will conduce to the flowering of many of the species. If an excess 

 of heat and moisture be allowed, it will cause the plants to produce roots 

 of so dehcate a constitution as to be destroyed by the least declension of 

 these elements. The condition of the atmosphere here [exotic nurseryl 

 has been examined when it has been deemed to be in a congenial state, 

 and then its temperature has been seventy-five degrees of Fahrenheit, 

 and Leslie's hygrometer has generally indicated from twenty to thirty- 

 five degrees of drjmess. The necessity of supplying moisture will de- 

 pend upon such circumstances as the size of the house, the distance of 

 the plants from the flues or hot-water pipes, the degree in which the 

 temperature is affected by the action of the sun's heat, or by that of cold 

 winds or other circumstances connected with the structm-e and aspect of 

 the house. A sheltered, close, and humid stove is that which is most 

 conducive to the health and growth of the Orchidese." 



Mr. Cooper, of Wentworth, one of the most successful cultivators of 

 this tribe, and one of the longest standing, difi^ers from most other growers 

 in respect to humidity, giving his plants no more than is usual to give the 

 general collection of stove plants amongst which they grow. A more 

 successful cultivator than Mr. Cooper is no where to be found, nor one 

 more liberal in affording information to those who desire it. His speci- 

 mens of Orchideae are truly magriificent, and some of them must be very 

 old, Mr. Cooper and the late Mr. Cattley may be said to have been the 

 first in this country who began collecting and cultivating this tribe of 

 plants, and both succeeded in an eminent degree. 



PROPAGATION. 



The species of this tribe with long creeping stems, like Renanthera, 

 Vanilla, &c., are increased by cutting the branches or stems into pieces, 

 choosing those pieces which are furnished with roots ; these, if mossed 

 round at their oase and placed in a proper atmosphere, will grow very 

 freely. Others like the Catasetums, Oncidimns, &c.^ are furnished with 



