Dendrobiums.—Most Dendrobiums are potted in straight-out staghorn peat, 
which is comparatively rich in nitrogenous matter and lime. I have not experi- 
mented with liquid manure for Dendrobiums to anything like the same extent 
as for the other genera, but I have found it satisfactory when applied to plants 
growing in osmunda fibre. I have given weak solutions of Floraphos to D. for- 
mosum, var. giganteum, and D. superbum, var. giganteum, and have noted in- 
creased vigour in their growth. D. superbiens and D. atroviolaceum also re- 
spond well to the application of the cow-fowl manure solution. 
Other Genera—I have used both forms of liquid manure for Lycaste, 
Stanhopea, Zygopetalum, Phalaenopsis, Epidendrum, and Vanda species. All of 
these reacted favourably to the additional feeding. 
It may be of interest to set out the average contents of various forms of 
animal manure, so that you can see where their value lies. These figures are aver- 
aged only, and, of course, will vary in different samples of the various manures. 
Horse-dung—contains about 75 per cent. water, 21 per cent. organic matter, .44 per 
cent. nitrogen, .35 per cent. phosphoric acid, and .035 per cent. potash. 
Cow-dung—contains 83 per cent. water, 10 per cent. organic matter, .3 per cent. 
nitrogen, .1 per cent. phosphoric acid and .05 per cent. potash. 
Sheep-dung—contains 51 per cent. water, 45 per cent. organic matter, .62 per cent. 
nitrogen, .3 per cent. phosphoric acid and .4 per cent. potash. 
Pig-dung—contains about 80 per cent. water, 13.8 per cent. organic matter, .44 per 
cent. nitrogen, .3 per cent. phosphoric acid and .35 per cent. potash. 
Fowl-manure—contains about 60 per cent. water, 29 per cent. organic matter, 1.25 
per cent. nitrogen, 1 per cent. phosphoric acid and .8 per cent. potash. 
It will be seen from these tables that while horse-dung contains on the 
average a little more nitrogen than cow-dung, its acid content is 3} times as great. 
If it is used in place of cow-manure the solution should be diluted to about half 
strength. That is, instead of adding an equal quantity of tank water to the liquid 
manure, twice the quantity should be added. Both sheep- and pig-dung can be 
used as substitutes for cow-dung, but they too should be diluted as for horse-man- 
ure. Fowl droppings are particularly rich in plant food, and must therefore be 
used most sparingly. It should not be used in conjunction with horse-, sheep- or 
pig-manure, but a little (4 ounces) incorporated with 2 pounds of cow-dung 
makes a well balanced liquid food. 
Like most other things, liquid manure should be used but not abused. Its 
application must be reserved for healthy plants in full growth. It must not be 
applied too often, or in too great a strength. It is better to start off with a very — 
weak solution and gradually increase the strength, than to apply it at the maxi- 
mum strength from the start. Again, as the growing season approaches its end, 
the frequency and strength of the nutriment should be gradually reduced, and 
not suddenly stopped. Another thing, always see that the compost is thoroughly 
soaked before applying liquid manure. Rain water is preferable both in mixing 
the manure, and for soaking the compost. 
Now I want to make one point clear. This information regarding the liquid 
manuring of Orchids has been acquired from my own experiments, and is given 
on the results obtained by me. I am not recommending, or even suggesting, that 
of Lo 
