BASKETS FOR ORCHID ACEiE. 
91 
Catasetuin, and analogous plants, they have ever adopted. It is made of the 
husks (not the shells) of the cocoa-nut, these being split into halves, slightly 
dressed round the edges, and fastened together with copper wire. The loose 
manner in which they are attached at the sides and bottom allows ample space 
for the discharge of superfluous water ; and the interior being of an open fibrous 
nature, admits of the roots adhering to it readily, and even penetrating it. 
In external appearance, too, it is calculated to produce at least a right impres- 
sion. The colour and surface strictly resemble those of wood, — than which 
nothing is a more natural or proper material,— and there is neither about them 
too great rusticity or polish, but just that degree of quietness and neatness 
which is or should be the prime desideratum. 
In fig. 4, which is a single piece of the same material, and in an altered position, 
there is less to commend, and Messrs. Loddiges tell us that it demands more 
attention, on account of the extremes of drought and wet into which it is liable to 
fall. It is the half of a cocoa-nut husk, with the upper part a little smoothed and 
shaped with a knife, so as to appear like an exceedingly shallow miniature repre- 
sentation of a boat. It is only adapted for small plants, as Pleurothallises, the 
lesser Dendrobia and MaxillariEe, Sophronitis, Ceelogyne, &e. To remedy its defect 
regarding the absorption of water, it should be perforated through the bottom in two 
or three places, when fluid can be more liberally supplied. 
The baskets sketched in 
figs. 5 and 6 have more pre- 
tensions to ornament, and are 
well fitted pleasingly to en- 
liven an orchidaceous-house. 
The shells of which they are 
constructed can be had, for a 
mere trifle, of any large fish- 
monger. They were first 
brought into use by Messrs. 
Loddiges, but our figures are 
due to Mr. Edmonds, gardener to his Grace the Duke of Devonshire, Chiswick. 
Fig. 5 shows a pair of shells attached firmly but not very closely at the base with 
strong wire, and similarly fastened about half-way up each of the sides, yet so loosely 
as to let them expand two or three inches at the top. The basket is then, like those 
last described, filled with turfy heath-mould, and any small species is planted in it. 
A small quantity of Lycopodium denticulatum, placed in the earth, and permitted 
to hang over the edges of the basket, adds much to its effect, on account of the 
contrast of colour. No such assistant must, however, be suffered to usurp the 
place and the importance that belong to the object of primary culture, and it should 
be reduced whenever it gets inconveniently large or rambling. 
To ensure a pleasing- diversity both of colour and shape, the basket shown hi 
