RECEPTACLES FOR ORCHIDACE^. 
115 
as well as by using a few of the lower halves, (the upper being generally chosen for 
its greater concavity and beauty,) a pleasing variety can be obtained. Other 
baskets, formed of oak or hazel billets, about an inch apart, and of an equal thick- 
ness, united by strong wires passing through them at the ends, can be either square 
or of a similar outline, but gradually contracted from the top to the bottom ; or of 
an inversely pyramidal figure ; with the bars projecting at the upper and lower 
corners to vary them a little, or cut off quite level. Baskets of wicker-work, 
whether the twigs be entire or split, are not to our taste. Pieces of wood, with 
several natural forks to them, admitting, in the hollow these compose, a suffi- 
ciency of earth or moss, are picturesque and natural, and may be sparingly 
introduced. 
For logs, on which to fix the strictly epiphytal kinds, some doubts are 
usually entertained as to the most proper wood for them. It seems now agreed, 
by the London cultivators, that blocks of the Rohinia pseud-acacia are the most 
suitable. Oak logs, Messrs. Loddiges find to give out a strong and detrimental 
astringency, though they probably do not hurt all species alike, and to none do they 
occasion serious detriment. In choosing pieces of wood for the object, the roughest, 
most rugged, and singular should have the preference, as their aspect is most con- 
gruous, and the roots love to hide in the crevices. They ought not all to be sus- 
pended in one direction, but a few lie horizontally and others hang perpendicularly. 
Where large branches are employed, unless the forks of them are fully two inches 
or more in thickness, it will be better to cover them with moss ; for weak 
thin twigs have a puerile, toy-like appearance. Old pieces of basket, flat 
wicker-work, or anything slovenly, can never be admired. Neatness should not 
be sacrificed to novelty. 
Decidedly the best logs we have yet seen, were some portions of cork- 
branches, two feet thick, at Mr. Knight's, Chelsea ; and if these could be procured 
with facility, and were found to possess no hurtful astringency, we should not 
desire a fitter material. Strips of cork bark, suspended flatly at the same esta- 
blishment, are too artificial ; and to masses of baked potter's clay, made rough on 
the exterior, a like objection strongly applies. The secret of imparting interest 
to any group of these supports, is to vary their forms and positions as much as 
possible, and to exclude everything that indicates contrivance, art, or skill. 
