40 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



use "anything but water" that being the common ex- 

 pression. The same secrecy is observed by the Orchid 

 expert in most cases. Another thing is that there is no 

 common formula accepted by all practitioners. Each seems 

 to have his own opinions as to materials, quality, and 

 strength of the stimulants used. 



One thing is cert; : n, that even where artificial manures 

 are used, the time of application and its discontinuance has 

 more to do with success or failure than the nature of the 

 manure itself. Even in cases where the administration of 

 a mild stimulant is of use during the period of active growth 

 and free rooting, if the manure is not discontinued after 

 growth is completed much mischief is done. 



It is not necessary to go into the relative merits of 

 chemical manures, which are not recommended for use, 

 but it may be stated that some growers do use small 

 quantities with apparently good results, restricting the use 

 of the manure to the active growing season and during the 

 time the flower-spikes are forming. Aerides, Saccolabiums, 

 and Vandas seem to be exceptions, as they represent the 

 highest development of the epiphyte. Odontoglossums 

 and some similar Orchids have been treated to a very 

 small quantity of Peruvian guano sprinkled in the water 

 used for watering them in spring while the flowers were 

 forming, and without a bad effect ; but the quantity used 

 was very small, and the water was not allowed to touch the 

 leaves or pseudo-bulbs. One grower on the Continent was 

 in the habit of sprinkling a handful of nitrate of soda in 

 the gutter of the house, especially before, or during heavy 

 rain, in order that a little solution of it might be carried 

 into the rain-water tanks in the Orchid house. His plants 



