ON STANHOPEA. 
175 
t?-: 
full of fibre and fern-roots : this should be broken roughly, and 
mixed with an equal quantity of sphagnum, or white moss, cut 
small. In placing the plant in the earth, care should be taken 
to keep the base of the bulbs a little elevated above the surface 
of the soil, to allow all superfluous moisture to pass off, as if it 
happens to lodge near them, it is generally fatal; and in filling 
the basket, the earth should be disposed in a loose open man¬ 
ner, for if it becomes compressed the flower-stems frequently 
rot before they can reach the outside. The most proper season 
for re-shifting is the commencement of the growing period; 
they may then be placed in the warm-house, and will attach 
themselves firmly the first season. Suspended from the roof of 
the house is the most appropriate position for them, as from the 
downward inclination of the flowers they are not seen when 
standing on a stage or below the level of the eye. 
About a month or six weeks is usually occupied in the com¬ 
pletion of the new pseudo-bulbs; after which the plants should 
be removed to a cooler situation, either in the house devoted 
to this purpose; or if this is not at hand, a common greenhouse 
is preferable to continuing them in the same temperature. 
This removal should not take place till the bulbs are full grown 
and quite firm, nor should it be delayed after. If the generality 
of the collection can be managed so as to have them resting at 
the same time, it will be a very great advantage where only one 
house is used for Orchideae ; and this may perhaps be accom¬ 
plished by removing the early ones for a short time until the 
remaining portion are fit also for resting: and as this will hap¬ 
pen in the early part of autumn, almost any protection will be 
sufficient; even a cold frame may then be used to advantage : 
and as the flowering of the ensuing season depends entirely on 
the thorough ripening of the current year’s growth, the plants 
may be allowed to receive the full influence of the sun, and 
every means resorted to to accomplish this objects 
The Stanhopea has a wide geographical range over nearly the 
whole of the South American continent and the adjacent 
islands, where it is sometimes found clinging to the trunks of 
old trees, on the margins of forests, and also in crevices of rocks 
and craggy promontaries, generally overhanging a stream or other 
damp place, affecting those spots where the finer description of 
debris and decaying vegetable matter collect. 
