THE SINGLE ORCHID HOUSE 19 



Further remarks on this and other details will be found 

 under the headings of the different genera, but it will be 

 better now to state in general terms that during the season 

 of active growth any reasonably high temperature by sun- 

 heat, secured by keeping the house tolerably close and 

 well shaded, greatly benefits the plants. This is specially 

 noticeable where batches of Dendrobium nobile, D. War- 

 dianum, and other deciduous Dendrobiums are grown. 

 Those who grow them best allow the house containing the 

 plants to become very warm ; they remove the shading 

 early in the afternoon in order to let the plants get the 

 longest duration of light possible, and they keep the house 

 very moist until the evening. 



THE SINGLE ORCHID HOUSE 



It is doubtful whether the owner of a large collection 

 of Orchids gets a greater amount of pleasure than the be- 

 ginner starting with but one Orchid house, provided the 

 owner of the single structure is careful in selecting his plants. 



In cases where only one Orchid house is possible, and 

 a more or less general collection of plants is desired, that 

 house should be heated as an intermediate house. The 

 single Orchid house has often been the starting-point of 

 more extensive culture. It is generally commenced by 

 utilising an existing plant-house, in some cases, unfortu- 

 nately, without making the necessary preparation for the 

 new occupants. 



When it has been decided to adapt a house for Orchids, 

 the proper course is to clear the house of its contents, 

 thoroughly overhaul the interior fittings, such as staging, &c., 



