14 
ON THE CULTURE OF ORCHIDS. 
succeed in, better than they do in anything else we have employed. But it is by no 
means the only soil in which the greater part will flourish, nor the material alone, 
placed on “blocks” for those to root into which have been planted out. In 
attaching soil to the “ blocks ” and securing it there, small copper wire and nails 
have been in requisition ; but “ blocks ” are sometimes met with that do 
not require the assistance of those articles, being easily provided with a sufficiency 
by pressing fragments of the very turfy peat in their miniature chasms, hollows, 
and crevices. Some there are, too, whose general surface is nearly horizontal, 
and therefore can be furnished, by ranging slices of soil round their outside, to 
support what is laid on the surface. The most important point to keep in view in 
this operation is to preserve the romantic appearance of the “ blocks,” individually 
and collectively, and that they are not hidden by their inequalities being filled up 
with soil. Any measures that are taken to fasten the soil on the “ blocks,” is only 
necessary as a temporary process, for eventually the roots of the plants wholly 
occupy the soil, escape through and from it to the wood, and there cling so tena- 
ciously that the whole mass is firmly held on by them. 
Little need be said of planting, that part of the business being a simple affair, and 
easily accomplished. Small specimens and parts of plants should be selected, to 
occupy the “blocks,” in preference to large plants, and those which have a bulky 
mass of roots, principally, because those with an unwieldy bundle of the latter 
organs, are difficult to dispose of in a nice manner, in so comparatively small a space 
as a “ block ” affords. Gare should be taken, too, as well in putting Orchids on 
“blocks ” as placing them to grow in pots or baskets, that they are not planted too 
deep. If the roots are sufficiently covered to keep the plants steady till they 
become established, and to give them a tidy appearance, nothing further in the way 
of planting is required, except that fine copper wire may be passed a few times 
among the plants over the soil to keep the latter compact and secure till they have 
got hold by their roots. The whole mass of soil on each “ block,” after the planting 
is completed, should have a thorough soaking of water before any part of it becomes 
settled and dry, and therefore almost impervious to wet ; but afterwards moisture 
must be applied cautiously, for peaty soil, it is well lmown, w r hen once wet, parts 
with its moisture as reluctantly as it receives it when very dry. 
It has been mentioned that the soil used at Chatsworth, is not the only 
material placed with Orchids on “ blocks,” for them to root into. Living common 
mosses, chiefly the more finely organised kinds, are also employed, and found to 
afford a most agreeable medium for their roots, and, as they grow and flourish 
a long time, give a very interesting and highly natural aspect to the “ blocks ” 
on which they are wholly or partially put, to answer the purpose of soil. 
Some of the British mosses, tender Lycopodiums , Tradescantia zebrina, &c., 
are delightful, growing here and there on particular “ blocks,” or stuck appro- 
priately over the whole mass. Many exotic, and some British ferns too, are 
equally pretty when thus disposed; but everything of this nature, so planted, will 
