126 A FEW HINTS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ORCHIDEOUS EPIPHYTES. 
receive considerable shelter from the branches of the trees (although standing 
single) on which they grow. 
The third class require a lower temperature, less humidity, and nearly a full 
exposure to the rays of the sun. The plants of all four enjoy light, a free air, and 
are subjected annually, for three months or more, to a low temperature and great 
drought ; and it is worthy of remark, that the time of drought and the decrease in 
temperature occur together. This may, therefore, be considered their winter, or 
time of rest. 
Some of the caulescent species grow very freely on wood, as Renanlhera, 
Vanilla, &c. ; and several others thrive better in moss than soil, as Aerides, 
Sarcanthus, Vanda, Saccalobium, &c. ; yet the greater number of species nourish 
better in pots of soil, provided they are well drained and judiciously treated. 
The best kind of soil is a sandy peat, containing as large a portion of fibres as 
possible (but not spongy). This turfy peat is cut into pieces about an inch 
square, and about one-third of broken potsherds mixed : this prevents the pos- 
sibility of stagnation, which, if it took place, would invariably destroy the plants. 
In the native habitats of these plants, the season of growth and flowering is 
that called the rainy season, at which time the temperature is high, and the 
humidity great. But the imitation of such a season in our hot-houses would be 
very likely to end in loss and disappointment ; for although subjected to great 
humidity (indeed bordering on saturation) in their native country, the situations 
they occupy in the trees prevents the possibility of injury, except in a few instances, 
whereas in our artificial climates, the same means used would saturate them, and 
they would speedily disappear. 
To imitate, to a limited extent, the above climate, may be done with benefit ; 
therefore, during the season of growth, never allow the temperature of the house 
in which the plants are grown, to be less than 75, nor greater than 95 degrees by 
day, nor lower than 60, or higher than 70 degrees by night. 
It is also indispensible that the atmosphere of the house be kept moist in the 
day time, particularly on sunny warm days; but towards evening allow the 
moisture to dry up, otherwise when the temperature is decreased, if humidity 
remains to any great degree, we have found it invariably becomes injurious, and 
to many small plants fatal; but in the morning increase the temperature, and 
when the house is hot, pour water on the floor or other situations, to fill the air 
with moisture. 
Like other plants, Orchidece require a season of rest, or in other words, a winter. 
The best time for this is when there are the fewest outward excitements ; this may 
occupy about four months — from the beginning of November to the end of 
February. 
During this season never allow the heat of the house to exceed 65, or sink 
lower than 55 degrees, either night or day ; and seldom water the plants at their 
roots, except in a few instances, where they may stand in hot situations in which they 
might perish from drought ; also be careful not to make the air of the house very 
damp, as during this time they will bear little humidity. 
The best season for general potting is the beginning of March, being the close 
