THE 



ORCHID. GROWER'S MANUAL. 



INTKODUCTION. 



The nature and the habits of Orchidaceous plants are now 

 better known than they were some few years ago, and we 

 have become acquainted with the conditions of their growth 

 in the countries where they are indigenous. There they 

 are exposed to a dry season, during which they are at rest ; 

 and to a rainy season, when the heat is higher, and the 

 air moist nearly to saturation. To grow Orchids in any 

 perfection, their native climate must, to a certain extent, 

 be imitated ; viz. they must have a period of rest in a dry 

 and comparatively cool atmosphere,, and during their growth 

 and flowering they should be exposed to a high moist 

 atmosphere ; but as they principally grow on the trunks 

 and branches of trees, it is important that they should be 

 exposed to a free current of air, and also to the light : this 

 is essential, except in some few species which require 

 shading, to prevent the plants being exposed to the direct 

 action of the sun's rays, which is apt to scorch the leaves. 

 The great heat and moisture are only necessary while the 

 plants are in vigorous growth, and this period should be dur- 

 ing spring and summer, the best periods of rest being from 



B 



