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A FEW HINTS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ORCHIDEOUS 
EPIPHYTES, WITH A SELECTION OF THE CHOICEST 
KINDS AT PRESENT IN CULTIVATION. 
This curious and beautiful tribe of plants, has, within the last few years, 
so interested the plant cultivators of this country, and the peculiarities of their 
construction and habits are so great, that we presume a few hints on their culture 
from our own experience and daily observation, may, to the uninitiated, not be 
without their use. 
The collection we possess at Chatsworth, contains upward of three hundred 
species, amongst which are nearly all the choicest kinds grown in this country. 
By the treatment our plants receive, they appear to be thriving as well as any 
other collection we have seen. 
Our experience in their culture is not very extensive, having begun to form 
our collection not more than three years ago ; but since that time we have, by 
watching their progress, and by observations on the system pursued for many 
years by our valued friend and neighbour, Mr. Cooper, to whom we have been 
indebted for many useful hints, been tolerably successful. 
Our general mode of treatment appears to answer for nearly all the tropical 
epiphytes ; but it is advisable for every cultivator, as much as possible to learn 
the native habits and situation of each separate species, in order to ensure its 
successful management. 
Some species are found in low dense woods, where scarcely any sun can 
penetrate ; others grow on the trees near to the open breaks in the woods, where 
they receive a little sun, plenty of light, and a free, but damp air : others again 
are found growing on single trees, in damp, but exposed situations ; and others 
grow on single trees in elevated situations, where they are subjected to a drier 
air, and the burning rays of a tropical sun: All these kinds are subjected to a 
time of drought, and a somewhat low temperature for three or four months in the 
year ; the knowledge of which particulars marks out the line to be pursued in the 
cultivation of the different species. 
The plants of the first kind require shading from the rays of the sun, either by 
large plants in the house, by creepers, or by some other means, and must have a 
hot and damp atmosphere. 
Those of the second kind, should have a similar atmosphere ; but will endure 
more sunshine than the last. The greatest part of the species come under this 
head. 
Those of the third, must also have a damp atmosphere and plenty of heat ; but 
they thrive best if exposed to the sun, except just at mid-day ; for although the 
sun in the tropics shines with great power, it must be remembered that the plants 
