28WINTER TREATMENT NOVEMBER, DECEMBER, AND JANUARY. 



hand. Keep the fires going in cold weather as directed for last 

 month. 



NOVEMBER. Proverbial for being dull, dark, and dreary. 

 Such weather has its influence even upon plants in an artificial 

 climate. The Orchid-grower will find it necessary to keep up a 

 moderate dry atmosphere, and fires almost night and day. 

 Should sunny days occur give a little air and raise a moisture by 

 wetting the warm flues or pipes in the mornings only. Cold 

 nights will now happen, and if moisture settles upon the leaves 

 they will not be benefited but injured thereby. Keep down 

 growths now, for shoots made now are sure to be weak if they 

 manage to exist through the winter. Should any dust or green 

 confervas appear on the leaves or surface of the composts let 

 them be removed, the first by washing the leaves with a soft 

 piece of leather or sponge (I prefer the first), and the others with 

 the finger and thumb, or a short, flat-pointed stick, always being 

 mindful not to injure the roots. Look to the fires and keep up 

 a drier atmosphere. 



DECEMBER.-r-In this month we have often clear, bright, 

 sunny days. If not very frosty admit air over the warm pipes, 

 and steam the houses whenever such a bright day is likely to 

 occur. Some Dendrobiums will now be showing their flower- 

 buds. If desired to bloom early such should be removed to a 

 warm part of the house, and others kept back by being co<?l. 

 By this method the season of blooming may be greatly extended" 

 Many of the American species, such as Cattleya, Laalia, &c., will 

 now be making fresh roots, but let not the amateur be tempted 

 therebv to increase watering them. The moist air of the house 

 with slight syringing just on the roots, will be sufficient for them. 

 Too much moisture would only induce premature, weak, non- 

 blooming shoots. Use the fires just to raise the heat enough to 

 keep the plants from suffering from cold. This is a good season 

 to destroy insects, for the methods of doing which see Insects. 



JANUARY. Some plants during this month will be beginning 

 to grow. The old but handsome Phaius grandifolius is an 



