ORCHIDS : HOW TO GROW THEM SUCCESSFULLY. 73 



blind will now be rarely needed, but should not yet be taken down. 

 A fresh supply of leaves should be placed over the pipes or under 

 the stages, as previously recommended ; and beware of wood-lice and 

 cockroaches, as they are very troublesome at this season. Ventilate as 

 freely as the outside conditions will admit, and damp down twice a day. 



WARM HOUSE. Autumn Temperature. 



Let damping down now be done about twice a day, as the air at 

 this season should be kept somewhat drier, the growing period having 

 passed, and this will tend to harden off the growth. I am not 

 advocating such rigorous treatment as for the Mexican Orchids, but 

 that a less moist temperature should be given to others, as well as less 

 water at the roots, and air admitted on all suitable occasions, having a 

 little fire heat to promote a quick circulation and also a buoyant 

 atmosphere, as bracing as possible. With this a healthful tone is given 

 to the plants and is of material benefit to them throughout the winter 

 months. By this means all intermediate second growth is arrested. 



NOVEMBER. 



COOL HOUSE. Autumn Temperature. 



With repotting and top dressing finished, watering of the plants 

 must be done with care, giving only to those which may still be making 

 a little growth, and only now and then to the inactive, sufficient to 

 keep them plump. Now that so little time will have to be spent in 

 watering and damping down, for once or twice a day for damping will 

 be sufficient, according to the fire heat in use, there will be plenty of 

 time for a general cleaning up, washing the pots, thoroughly cleaning 

 the plants, and destroying any insects that may be discovered in their 

 hiding places ; the woodwork, glass, and stages must also have 

 attention, clearing away all dirt and rubbish, whitewashing the walls, 

 and making all snug and clean. 



Orchids producing flower spikes should be raised above the others 

 by using inverted flower pots, so that they may be easily watched and 

 protected from slugs and other enemies. Let the houses still have 

 plenty of air when the weather is favourable. 



INTERMEDIATE HOUSE. Autumn Temperature. 



With increased fire heat now, see that the atmospheric conditions 

 of the house have careful attention. Damp, murky weather at this 

 time of the year should be counteracted by just sufficient warmth in 

 the pipes and house to allow air to be admitted through the top and 

 bottom ventilators, both night and day, unless the outside air is too 

 cold or there is the certainty of frost. 



In towns where smoke prevails and when there are fogs, it is best 

 to exclude the outside air at such times, seeing that the plants and 



