ORCHIDS : HOW TO GROW THEM SUCCESSFULLY. 65 



page 45, and guard against thrip, especially on Miltonia (Odonto- 

 glossum) vexillaria, by dusting tobacco powder into the young growths. 

 With the exception of perhaps a few of the Cypripediums that have 

 done flowering, also some of the earliest Cattle yas that are emitting 

 new roots, but little repotting or top dressing is needed. 



WARM HOUSE. Winter Temperature. 



Phalsenopsis may now be attended to by having the old moss 

 picked out from the roots and fresh supplied, as also Saccolabiums, 

 Aerides, Angrsecunis, and Yandas, attend also to Miltonia Eoezlii, and 

 a fresh supply of tree leaves given above the pipes. Let a sufficient 

 quantity of fresh air be admitted with care daily through the bottom 

 ventilators, avoiding cold draughts which would check growth and 

 produce other evils. Should the Orchid houses form a range and open 

 one into the other, ventilation can be obtained at this time of the year 

 by opening the doors, and, if it can be managed, air from the Cool 

 house should pass on to the Warm house through the open doors. 

 Cockroaches congregate mostly in this house and should be poisoned. 

 Bring from the Intermediate house the remainder of the Dendrobiums 

 to encourage blooming, and when out of flower see to the condition 

 of their roots, and start them into growth watering them with care 

 at first. 



MAECH. 



COOL HOUSE. Spring Temperature. 



Continue the watchfulness in general matters. The days are now 

 gradually lengthening and the light stronger, and watering at the roots 

 may now be increased without so much fear of bad results following. 

 See also that the roller blinds are fixed on the house early in the month 

 so as to be ready for use, as it is best not to expose Cool-house Orchids 

 to sudden bursts of bright sunshine at first, as it sometimes causes an 

 excess of bronze tinted colours in the foliage of Odontoglossums, which 

 in a modified way is not so objectionable, as it indicates sturdy health 

 from being kept hardy and from exposure, but it is not well to have too 

 much of it, as it sometimes leads to a loss of foliage. Ventilate freely 

 on all suitable occasions, both night and day, but beware of piercing 

 east winds, which oftentimes are accompanied by bright sunshine and 

 runs the thermometer up rapidly, and prompts the cultivator to put on 

 more air to reduce it. In order to avoid this keep the ventilators 

 closed, thereby preventing the cold piercing wind from entering the 

 house ; and, if necessary, lower the heat of the hot- water pipes, and 

 shade by running down the roller blinds. Continue to repot any plants 

 in this house as they arrive at the right condition, which is when the 

 new growth is an inch or two high. Damp down two or three time? 

 a day. 



