OIICHIDFJE. 
67 
substance, and not of a fibrous nature, as is the prevailing form 
of the roots of the generality of known plants, they do not derive 
their nourishment from a mixture of soils, and in an exclusion of 
light, but entirely from atmospheric moisture, and without it 
speedily perish. But if heat and moisture be combined with a 
due proportion of air they grow vigorously and flower abun¬ 
dantly. Yet it must not be supposed that as they have an excess 
of humidity in their natural position, the same may be applied 
without caution or regulation, when in an artificial state. Nothing 
is more injurious to them than stagnant water, and it not unfre- 
quently occurs that plants are condemned, while the principal 
fault rests with the drainage. This part of the cultivation will 
be more fully entered on when I come to the treatment of each 
particular species. 
To grow Orchidese to the perfection they are capable of at¬ 
taining, it is necessary to have two houses; some requiring a 
very high temperature, while others, on the contrary, assume a 
weak aspect if kept too hot. It is also necessary, in order to 
afford them their required season of rest, to perfect the embryo 
buds; and when in bloom the flowers last longer and their fra¬ 
grance is greater in a low temperature. There are some which 
require to be grown quick to make bulbs of sufficient strength 
to produce flowers, particularly the genus Schomburgia, and 
several others, so that if one house be kept for the Indian species 
at a mean temperature of 70° without sun-heat in the summer, 
allowing it to fall from the beginning of December to the latter 
end of February (i. e. during the resting season) to 60°, the re¬ 
duction of the temperature will cause them to break stronger 
when it is again raised. 
The other house would be most proper for the Mexican and 
Guatemalan species, as they are found growing stronger in a 
low temperature ; and if kept in summer, or while growing, at 
about 60 or 65°, without sun-heat, and in winter lowered to 
54 or 58°, an abundant bloom and vigorous’growth would result, 
proper attention being paid in both cases to the supply of air 
and water while growing. Of the first, sufficient should be ad¬ 
mitted to prevent mouldiness and rotting ; of the latter, so much 
as will secure a constantly moist and genial atmosphere ; this is 
to be applied not solely by watering, but by steaming, &c., and 
, the most proper time for its application is at night, as it is then 
