PAXTON'S FLOWER GARDEN. 



This Aerides, like all its congeners, being a true thick-rooted air-plant, requires a 

 material for the roots to revel in that is of a perfectly loose, open nature, that will not only 

 admit of the water given percolating freely through it, but also allow air to reach the roots 

 freely, without which they perish. Even the vegetable fibrous matter out of the best peat,, 

 with all the earthy portion removed, which is found suitable for such Orchids as Cattleyas, 

 Lselias, Oncidiums, Epidendrums, and others of like character, is not light enough for these 

 thick-rooted species. Nothing that has yet been used is found equal to British bog moss 

 sphagnum, which appears to answer all the requirements of the plants, both in affording 

 them the sustenance required, and as a medium for keeping the thick, fleshy roots con- 

 tinuously moist through the growing season, and slightly so during their period of rest; 

 it also possesses the property of resisting decay for a considerable time, even when kept 

 quite moist. These thick-rooted Orchids are frequently cultivated in baskets composed 

 of strips or thin bars of wood more or less durable in character. The only advantage 

 they possess over ordinary pots is that their being lighter admits of their being suspended 

 from the roof, and thus elevating the plants nearer to the light than could be carried out 

 to any considerable extent with plants all grown in pots ; consequently, taking into con- 

 sideration the perishable nature of wooden baskets, pots may be considered preferable for 

 these plants. Charcoal is a better material to mix with the sphagnum than crocks, as also 

 for draining the pots. The plants should never be allowed to remain too long in the same 

 material without wholly replacing it with new, for if too far decomposed the roots suffer in 

 it. Always re-pot sufficiently early, before the season's growth has commenced; give enough 

 water to promote healthy growth, but never allow the sphagnum to get saturated, as is some- 

 times done ; keep sufficient moisture in the atmosphere without overcharging it — a condition 

 fraught with the worst consequences, by producing weak, delicate growth, alike incapable of 

 flowering freely, enduring so long as it should, or allowing "of the plants keeping dry enough 

 in whiter. With a like view, let the house in which they are grown be situated and con- 

 structed so as to afford a maximum of light ; do not shade too heavily, and never when the 

 direct effects of the sun's rays upon the plants are not such as to require it. Give air every 

 mild day through the growing season for a sufficient time to dry up moderately and sweeten 

 the atmosphere of the house. In spring the temperature may range from 65° in the night 

 to 70° or 80° by day; in summer from 70° in the night to 80° or 85° through the day. 

 During the winter, when at rest, about 60° night, and 65° day. 



Amongst the from thirty to forty species or forms of Aerides in cultivation, it may 

 be said that there is not an indifferent flower, yet some are very much superior to the rest. 

 In addition to the subject of our plate, we append the names of a few of the best : — • 

 A. Larpentse, A. Fieldingii, A. Maculosum Schroderii, A. Crispum, A. Quinquevulnerum, 

 A. Lobbii, A. Affine, A. Suavissimum, A. Virens, A. Rubrum, A. Odoratum Purpurascens. 



