Aug., 1892. 
THE CULTIVATION OF ORCHIDS. 
177 
One very interesting idea is suggested by Mr. Beddard : 
it is generally thought that colours of animals are 
modified in adaptation to the environment; our author 
suggests that in some cases animals seek an environ¬ 
ment suitable to their coloration, for it is stated that a small 
black moth (Phycis carbonariella) is constantly met with in 
patches of underwood that have been burnt; its dusky hues 
approximate to the colour of charred wood. The Snowy Owl, 
too, appears to select a snowy patch of ground to rest upon, 
in preference to rocks and stones which are not covered with 
snow. 
(To be continued.) 
THE CULTIVATION OF OECHIDS.* 
BY E. A. BEVERS. 
INTRODUCTORY. 
The title of the paper I have the pleasure of reading to 
you to-night is “ Notes on Orchids, and their Culture,” but I 
wish you to understand that I do not present myself before 
you as a professor in the art of orchid culture, but rather to 
tell you what I know to be absolutely correct regarding their 
treatment, both from personal observation, and practical 
work amongst them for upwards of twelve years, and also 
what I have gleaned from other sources. I would wish to 
add that I have gained a great deal of very useful information 
from works by the following authors:—Lewis Castle, 
F. W. Burbridge, James Britten, and W. H. Gower, whose 
books you will find very interesting. Orchids, although 
infinitely more abundant in some regions than in others, are 
found in almost all parts of the world, except upon the verge 
of the frozen zone and in climates of excessive dryness. In 
Europe, Asia, and North America they grow everywhere, in 
groves, marshes, meadows ; at the Cape of Good Hope they 
abound in similar situations ; but in the hot damp parts of 
the West and East Indies, in Madagascar, and in the 
neighbouring islands, in the damp and humid forests of 
Brazil, in the mild warm parts of Central America and 
Western Mexico, in the damp, tropical parts of India, and in 
the lower mountains of Nepaul, they flourish in the greatest 
variety and profusion, not only seeking their nourishment 
from the soil, but clinging to trunks and limbs of trees, to 
*Read before the Oxfordshire Natural History Society, March 17,1892. 
