68 orchids: now to grow them successfully. 



winds, which oftentimes are accompanied by bright sunshine and 

 runs the thermometer up rapidly, and prompts the cultivator to 

 put on more air to reduce it. In order to avoid this keep the 

 ventilators closed, thereby preventing the cold piercing wind from 

 entering the house ; and, if necessary, lower the heat of the 

 hot- water pipes, and shade by running down the roller bhnds. 



Intermediate House. — Temperature, day ivith sun, 70"; day 

 without SU71, 60"; night, 63": morning, 58". 

 The season of active growth is at hand, and, with more 

 warmth, the plants will soon begin to push out roots, and as soon 

 as this is seen the plants should be repotted, supposing they are 

 out of flower ; a slight increase of water may be given to the 

 roots, seeing that the water does not lodge in the young breaks. 

 Get roller blinds fixed in readiness for use and for protection from 

 sun, and when there are cold cutting vrinds keep the house closed. 

 Watch for the Cattleya fly alluded to on page 42. 



Warm House. — Temperature, day ivith sun, 75° to 80°; day without 

 sun, 70=: night, 68°: morning, 63^. 

 Be careful that Dendrobiums are not over watered, and protect 

 Orchids from drip from the roof (seepage 61). At this season the 

 condensed moisture sometimes gets frozen underneath the glass, 

 and in thawing drips on to the foliage, causing the young 

 growth to damp off. Thunias and Calanthes may be repotted [see 

 Cultural Directions, page 28). Look out for red spider, and sponge 

 the leaves vdth insecticide. Much care is necessary in ventilating, 

 so as to ensure circulation without the atmosphere becoming cold. 



April. 



Cool House. — Tempjerature as advised in March. 

 We often have changeable, trying weather in this month 

 demanding constant watchfulness, and it is better to use the shading 

 freely than to admit cold air through the ventilators ; keep a 

 regular supply of moisture on the paths, stages, and other surfaces. 

 Very little heat will now be wanted from the hot-water pipes in this 

 house, but as the nights are often cold, a little heat should be given. 

 Be always on the look out for thrip, for if it gains a strong foothold 

 this month it will probably remain all the summer, in larger or 

 smaller quantities. The repotting of Odontoglossum Alexandrse 



