2 THE OBCHID-GROWER'S MANUAL. 



as regards growth and rest can only be stated in general 

 terms. There are certain kinds which are never entirety 

 inactive throughout the whole year. And again, even of 

 those which do go to rest periodically, on the completion of 

 their growth, it does not always happen that their dormant 

 season corresponds with that at which the largest numbers 

 go to rest. 



Directions for the Period of Growth. 



When the growing season commences, raise the tempera- 

 ture of the East India house, or house in which the greatest 

 heat is maintained, to 65 by night and 70 by day ; by sun 

 heat it may be allowed to range to 75, and as the days 

 lengthen, so the temperature may be permitted to increase ; 

 and during the months of May, June, July, and August it 

 should range from 70 to 75 by night, and from 75 to 80 

 by day, and by sun heat to 85, or even 90 : this will not 

 do any harm, provided the plants are shaded from the direct 

 rays of the sun. The Mexican or cooler house should be 60 

 by night, and from 65 to 70 by day ; and as the days 

 lengthen, so the temperature may be allowed to increase ; 

 and during the months of May, June, July, and August the 

 night heat may range from 65 to 70, and by day from 70 

 to 85. Great attention should, at the same time, be paid 

 to the state of the atmosphere, as regards moisture ; at all 

 times of the year this is of much importance to the successful 

 growth of the plants, for they derive the greater part of 

 their subsistence from moisture in the air, so that wherever 

 any plants are growing, the atmosphere should be well 

 supplied with moisture : this is obtained by pouring water 

 over the tables, walls, and paths of the house every morning 

 and afternoon, and by keeping the hot-water tanks full ; 

 this will cause a nice gentle steam to rise, which is of great 

 value whilst the plants are in a vigorous state of growth, 

 especially as regards the East Indian Orchids, such as Aerides, 



