40 orchid-gkower's manual. 



not being likely to get broken by cleaning or otherwise. Too 

 large squares are bad, as they are apt to get broken by frost. 

 The upright glass at the sides ought to be of the size stated 

 above, to correspond with that in the roof and also in the 

 ends and the door. The sash bars should have a small groove 

 down them to carry the condensed moisture to the bottom, in 

 order to prevent it from dripping on to the plants ; even small 

 pieces of zinc nailed to the bars serve to form a sort of gutter 

 to carry off this moisture, and thus prevent drip. 



TREATMENT OF PLANTS PREVIOUSLY TO BEING 

 TAKEN TO PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS. 



HERE are many cultivators of Orchids who object 

 to send their plants to a public exhibition solely 

 because they are afraid that they will receive 

 injury ; but these fears are quite groundless if a moderate 

 degree of care is exercised. Having myself been an exhibitor 

 of these plants for thirty years, I have had ample oppor- 

 tunity to form a practical opinion, and to the best of my 

 belief I never had a plant injured by exposure at a flower 

 show. That some valuable Orchids have been damaged I 

 know full well, but the fault has been in the want of due care 

 in their preparation. 



It is my practice to move the plants to a cool dry house or 

 room for a few days previous to the show. If the plants are 

 growing in the hottest house, I move them to the cooler one. 

 During this time they should be allowed only just enough 

 water to keep them slightly moist. When it is probable that 

 the plants will come into blossom earlier than is wished, the 

 time of flowering may be successfully retarded by taking them 



