ORCHIDS. 



as cinndbarimm and crassifoUum ; these will form plants 

 on the tops of the old flower-stalks ; they should be left to 

 grow till they have made their growth, they should then 

 be cut off and potted, and they will soon make good plants. 

 Some Dendrobriums will also form plants on the tops of 

 the old pseudo-bulbs, and they should be treated in the 

 same way. 



Mode of producing Back Breaks. 



There are many of our Orchids that will keep on grow- 

 ing year after year, and yet produce only one flowering 

 bulb each year, but if the plants are cut they vdll produce 

 back breaks, increasing, and soon make fine specimens. 

 This is the way to produce such plants as are seen eveiy 

 year at the London Exhibitions. Some plants are more 

 easy to increase than others. The Cattleyas are of this 

 kind. When you have a plant that has back bulbs, if there 

 are about four, cut the plant in two between the bulbs, but 

 not to disturb the plant ; let the bulbs keep in the same 

 place. The best time to cut all Orchids is during their 

 season of rest, or just as they are beginning to grow. All 

 other Orchids that have bulbs should be treated in the 

 same way, if it be desirable to increase them. 



On the Mode of making Baskets, and the best Wood for 

 that Purpose. 



Blocks or baskets are most suitable for true air-plants, 

 such as Vandas, Saccolahiums, Aerides, AngrcBciuns, Pha- 

 IcBjiopsis, &c. ; when planted in baskets or on blocks, they 

 send out their roots much stronger into the ah, and suck 

 up the moisture, whereas, if their roots are covered too 

 much, they are veiy apt to rot. Various materials are 

 used for forming baskets ; some are made of copper wire, 

 which is very durable : but I prefer those made of wood, 



