72 



THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY 



[March, 



from the air. Water as little as possible in the ! Orchids are the most abused unfortmiate class 

 winter consistent with preserving the plants in a of plants I know of; as being hard to kill, the 



plump, healthy condition. There being several 

 degrees difference in temperature between com- 



next choice is to keep them sick by too much 

 (mistaken) kindness. In practical culture a very 



post that is wet and that comparatively dry, j strange fact is that many cool-growing varieties 

 protect from cold draughts and the aridity of the of orchids grow best in decaying vegetable mat- 

 air in sharp frosty weather, which is much to be ; ter, deriving sustenance from it, notably Odon- 

 feared, especially if grown in a room. I glossums and Masdevallias ; even the West In- 



