ORCHIDS I HOW TO GROW THEM^UCCESSFULLY. 5 



grown. I will now endeavour to explain the difference in temperature 

 of the Cool, the Intermediate, and the "Warm house of a higher tem- 

 perature, in order that learners may form an idea as to what class of 

 Orchids are adapted for their houses, and to enable them the better to 

 understand the growth and requirements of the plants under their care. 

 Formerly it was thought necessary, in order to cultivate Orchids, 

 that some special structure should be built for them ; but years of 

 experience have proved that a disused vinery, or an ordinary green- 

 house where a general collection of plants are grown, will suit Orchids 

 equally well, provided they are properly attended to. Of course, as 

 previously stated, it is necessary, before making a purchase, to consider 

 to what different species of Orchids the house is best adapted; for 

 instance, the degree of heat at command, and the amount of light 

 or shade afforded, must be taken into account, and I will endeavour 

 to explain this fully. I do not recommend the cultivation of Orchids 

 with fruit trees in the same house, although it can be done, and 

 sometimes successfully, by those who fully understand their require- 

 ments during the various stages of growth, but, unless in very 

 experienced hands, such treatment would most probably end in 

 failure, and I am desirous of bringing about an opposite state of 

 affairs. Many of the most beautiful species of Cool and Intermediate 

 Orchids will, as before remarked, grow with other plants, provided 

 the conditions of the atmosphere and temperature are suitable. I am 

 aware that many amateurs, especially those living in towns, labour 

 under a difficulty, owing to the limited area of their glass structures 

 which are sometimes placed in unfavourable positions, although some 

 of these may be suitable for a restricted class of plants. It is not 

 unusual to see a glass structure resembling (Fig. 1) a lean-to house 



FIG. I. LEAN-TO HOUSE. 



