58 ORCHIDS. 



During the winter season, the greater proportion of the 

 plants are at rest ; it is not therefore necessary to main- 

 tain a high .temperature. When the sun is in position 

 to warm the houses, the heat should be slackened in the 

 pipes, but should be again turned on just before the sun 

 leaves the houses. 



It is well to begin to put fires in the Orchid houses 

 about the middle of September, for then the nights are 

 cold ; but at this time also the supply of moisture should 

 be reduced. In summer fire is only needed during long, 

 cold storms. During the winter months, until the end of 

 February, the heat should be rather dry than moist, and 

 never excessive. 



It is advantageous to have open water pans or basins, 

 through which hot-water pipes pass, which give out vapor, 

 which is beneficial to the plants. The water in these 

 pans should be frequently renewed, as thus a pure, clean 

 atmospheric moisture is preserved. Pipes are now made 

 with these basins on top. 



In heating with hot water, three rows of four-inch pipe 

 should run round the house, and two round each centre 

 table inside of the brick work on which the table rests, or 

 the pipes may run through water cisterns which will 

 always give a moist heat, and in cold weather or the rest- 

 ing season the water can be drawn from the tanks and a 

 dry heat obtained. Small ventilators, made to open and 

 shut, should be inserted into the brick work of the tables 

 on each side, so as to allow heat and moisture to pass into 

 the house when required. There should be means pro- 

 vided for going under all the tables by means of little 

 doors in order to examine the^ pipes if at any time they 

 are out of order. 



