SELECTIONS OF ORCHIDS. 



6 7 



to look for healthy growth. Before the advent of the fumigators mentioned, they were 

 looked upon by orchidists as foes of the greatest danger, but, thanks to these, the 

 insidious pests may easily be kept under. Their presence is known by marks on the 

 foliage. Eed spider leaves whitish marks, thrips black ones ; but an observant cul- 

 tivator will note them before the effects in this way are visible. A little dry flowers 

 of sulphur dusted about the young growths is a deterrent, but timely fumigation 

 and sponging, or syringing with clear water, are the best means to effect a thorough 

 clearance. 



"Woodlice. — These are the most troublesome in untidy places, and when the houses 

 are well cleaned out daily do not as a rule find comfortable quarters. In dry corners 

 and under wooden stages, they are quite at home, but they abhor dampness. They may 

 be trapped in flower pots filled with dry moss, or in pieces of potato as described for 

 snails, and can be easily killed at night by the aid of a lantern. But keep the houses 

 tidy, allow no rubbish of any kind under the stages, or dry corners, and woodlice will 

 give little trouble to growers of orchids. 



SELECTIONS OF ORCHIDS. 



In the selections of species and varieties will be found those which are the most 

 generally worthy of cultivation. There are orchids which possess interest because 

 of their peculiarities, but are not of decorative value, and, therefore, are not included 

 in a work of this practical character. The names given are those under which the plants 

 are best known, and not in all cases the latest which it has occurred to botanists 

 to give them. The letters following the descriptions represent : (h) Stove species. 

 {%) Intermediate species, (c) Cool species. 



acineta.— A small genus of epiphytal orchids, not difficult to grow when well- 

 established. The pseudo bulbs are large, ovate, ribbed, bearing broad, handsome green 

 leaves, and producing pendant racemes of fragrant blossoms. They should be grown 

 in baskets suspended from the roof, these being filled to within a couple of inches 

 of the top with clean crocks and large lumps of charcoal, to allow the spikes to descend 

 easily, the compost consisting of peat and sphagnum moss in equal proportions. While 

 growing freely allow ample atmospheric moisture at the roots, but while at rest 

 keep the plants nearly dry. Ee-basket the plants no oftener than is necessary, as they 

 dislike being disturbed, but avoid letting the compost get sour or decayed. Only two 

 species need be described for cultivation : A. Barkeri. — Pseudo bulbs, 6 inches high, 



