70 AIB- GIVING. 



plants. In watering, when the growths are very young, pour the 

 water on out of a very small spout round the edge of the pot, 

 only avoiding to wet the plants in the centre. When the new 

 pseudo-bulbs are swelling freely, then water may be given more 

 plentifully. 



Air-giving. In summer air should be given to these hardy 

 Orchids freely. In fact, day and night in warm weather the 

 temperature of the open air will generally be amply sufficient for 

 them during June, July and August. In cold nights in the 

 early and later months, the heat of the day may be economised 

 by shutting up the house early in the afternoon, and not giving 

 air so soon in the morning. In fact, the same heat as will suit a 

 common Geranium or Fuchsia in a growing state will be amply 

 sufficient for the Orchids comprised in the list below. 



Orchids in baskets should be often examined ; and if found 

 dry in the centre they should be dipped in tepid water till the 

 soil is thoroughly saturated. Weeds and insects during this 

 season abound most, and should be extirpated diligently. The 

 entire area of the house should also be kept sweet and clean no 

 decaying vegetable matter should be left in any corner or out-of- 

 the-way place in the house, The above points of culture during 

 summer are such as apply to such species as grow on blocks, in 

 baskets, and in pots, and belong to the grand division named 

 epiphytal growing on trees. The other division terrestrial^ 

 require during summer a similar treatment as to air-giving and 

 syringing ; but in watering, when they are growing freely, an 

 addition of an occasional watering with liquid manure will add 

 largely to the size of the foliage and bulbs : therefore let that be 

 given to them say once a-week. 



Towards the end of the summer, less water from any source 

 must be given, gradually reducing the quantity. The end to be 

 aimed at is, to get them to rest by the time the leaves begin to 

 fall from the trees out of doors. I have sometimes and with 

 some sorts, placed them out of doors in dry weather, in order to 

 induce .a state of inaction, placing them near a south wall on 



