50 AERIDES MACULOSUM. 
clusters of inferior length issuing from the side of the main one near its foot. The 
graceful, half nodding, half drooping position of these aggregations of blossom, their 
soft, delicate tints, and above all, the exquisite fragrance which proceeds from them, 
constitute a most pleasing and acceptable combination. The individual size of the 
flowers is intermediate between A. crispum and A. ajjine, but more nearly- 
approaching the former. 
These plants inhabit hot and humid forests, clinging to the trunks and branches 
of trees, by the dense foliage of which they are sheltered from the blaze of a 
burning sun. Along the stem they protrude numerous thick roots, sometimes 
extending to a vast length, and usually considerably more vigorous and more 
brittle than those by which they are attached to the trees ; and it is evident that 
the plants derive a large proportion of their nourishment from the moisture floating 
in the atmosphere, through their instrumentality. Cultivators have seized on this 
peculiarity to determine the proper mode of procedure in managing them ; and we 
constantly find the species thriving most favourably where the principles which the 
foregoing facts involve are most completely adhered to, and adjusted to each other. 
A block of wood to attach 
the plant to, is always prefer- 
able to planting it in a basket 
or pot; but it will be advisable 
to envelope the lower part of 
the stem and a few of the 
roots in moss. And a thin 
screen should be interposed in 
summer to subdue the inten- 
sity of the sun's light, and 
prevent it from affecting the 
uniformity of atmospheric 
moisture. This section ( Van- 
dece) require a higher tem- 
perature than the majority of 
other Orchidacese, and should 
be frequently syringed during 
the season of growth. In 
winter the removal of the 
screen, a depression of tempe- 
rature, and a more arid atmo- 
phere, are the obvious means 
of preserving a quiescent state. The wood engraving shows the habit of the plant. 
