ORCHIDS I HOW TO GROW THEM SUCCESSFULLY. 71 



last named Cattleyas having flowered, the old flower sheaths should be 

 entirely removed, as they are liable to decay in dull wet weather, and 

 unless this is done in time the base of the leaf may be affected and drop 

 before it is observed, the rotting or decay passing downwards and soon 

 affecting the newly made bulbs. The old sheath should be cleanly 

 removed. By a slight pull sideways it will slip easily away, and 

 renders decay improbable. Continue to damp down freely. 



WARM HOUSE. Summer Temperature. 



Fire heat, on all occasions, both day and night, may generally be 

 safely dispensed with during this month. Dendrobiums should be 

 looked over now, and all that have finished up their pseudobulbs 

 removed to more cool, airy, dry, and sunny quarters to prevent second 

 growth, always taking care that the change is gradual so as not to 

 give an unnecessary check, and after they are by degrees fully exposed 

 to both air and sun continue to water but not quite so often. Many 

 kinds, such as Dendrobium Wardianum, D. nobile, and D. crassinode 

 delight in a long rest, in a house having a cool, free ventilation, and 

 full sunlight. Such treatment greatly assists the plants of such kinds 

 as I have named in acquiring a strong constitution and they flower 

 more freely; but all the Dendrobiums will not stand this treatment. 

 It has become necessary for the cultivator to find out whether his 

 particular plant requires a Warm house or a moderately Cool one to rest 

 in, as much depends upon the winter treatment the plant receives. No 

 more shading should be used than is absolutely necessary, so that the 

 growth may get well matured as it is formed, and produce short, stout, 

 well hardened bulbs, which should be the aim of every grower thin 

 sappy growths being of little use. Damp down freely. 



SEPTEMBER. 



COOL HOUSE. Temperature, day with sun, 68; day without sun, about 



63 ; night, 55 ; morning, 50. 



The repotting of Odontoglossums of the crispum type should be 

 discontinued after the end of this month, such is my experience, 

 especially in large towns where the winter light is bad. All Cool 

 Orchids are materially strengthened by the dewy night air being 

 admitted through the ventilators, which should not be fully closed 

 during this month. Continue to damp down well and gradually use 

 less shading. 



INTERMEDIATE HOUSE. Temperature, day with sun, 70 to 75; day 



without sun, 68 ; night, 63 ; morning, 60. 



Many more plants will now be fast approaching maturity, and any 

 Cattleyas which have not completed their growth should now be placed 

 in the warmest part of the house, and those which have finished their 



