the pots could be stood on saucers turned bottom upwards. By arrangements of this kind a salutary humidity will be maintained in the atmosphere, and the orchids will be far more healthy and robust than if kept in a dry, woody, white-washed house, such as the Mexican succulents would delight in. Having made suitable provision for their comfort, the rest is easy, provided always that you do not attempt to grow stove orchids in greenhouse temperature, for in that you will certainly fail. Great things have been done of late years in the cool treatment of orchids, but there are certain kinds that require a high temperature and an abundance of atmospheric moisture, or they simply live without flowering, or, perhaps, instead of living, dwindle away. The selection at the end of this volume comprises all the best and safest for the amateur, every one of which may be grown to perfection in a suitable house by the adoption of the simple means we shall now describe.
There are two sections of orchids—the epiphytal, which grow on the branches of trees; and the terrestrial, which grow in soil. The epiphytal kinds can be grown fastened to blocks of wood, and be suspended from the roof, or in pots or baskets; but the terrestrial kinds must be grown in pots, and be potted in a compost consisting of turfy loam and peat in equal proportions, with the addition of a little leaf mould and silver sand. The epiphytes must have a compost much lighter than the above, and nothing can surpass a mixture of fibry peat, from which all the fine soil has been removed, and sphagnum moss, well mixed together. It is not necessary to be particular about proportions, because the whole of the epiphytes suitable for the greenhouse will grow in either peat or moss separately. Before using the latter, take the precaution to destroy all insect life that may be lurking in it, by putting it in boiling-hot water for a short time. Always effectually drain the pots; one half, or even two thirds, of the pot should be filled with broken potsherds. Place sufficient compost on the crocks to fill the pot to within an inch or so of the rim, and then spread out the roots on this, after carefully removing a large proportion of the old worn-out soil, and place a layer of the new material over them. If necessary a few pegs may be inserted to keep the soil in its place and the plants steady. To put them on blocks, simply fasten a little moss to the block with matting, and then spread out the roots over
