ORCHIDS 193 



ample ventilation, it is possible to maintain the temperature below the 

 prevailing conditions outside. The inside temperature in summer should 

 be retained about 60 degrees, the lower ventilators being allowed to 

 remain open whenever 55 degrees are indicated inside. It is wise 

 to close the roof ventilators when damping for the last time in the 

 summer afternoon, opening again later in the evening after the moisture 

 has had time to condense. Keep the atmosphere well charged with 

 moisture whenever the outside conditions are warm and bright. The 

 plants must not be allowed to shrivel through want of moisture at the roots 

 at any season of the year. During the winter months maintain an even 

 temperature of 50 degrees, and if the temperature falls below this, 

 resort to artificial heat, but do not use more artificial warmth than is 

 absolutely necessary. 



The house most suitable for the culture of Odontoglossums is a span- 

 roof facing east and west, affording ample means for ventilation both in 

 the roof and along the side walls During the summer months, when 

 the weather is very hot, provide a trellis to fit the doorway. This pre- 

 vents birds or animals getting into the house. The blinds should be 

 raised well above the glass, so that a free circulation of air may be pro- 

 cured and the glass kept cooler in hot weather. The lath roller blinds 

 are the most suitable, as they serve two purposes, viz., as a screen from 

 the sun in summer and as a protection on cold nights in winter. Every 

 provision should be made for the storage of rain water. The stages 

 should be covered with coke breeze about two inches deep, and the 

 plants arranged on inverted pots, or another stage be placed above ; but 

 it is not desirable that the pots containing the plants should be arranged 

 on the coke. 



A lean-to house facing north generally meets the requirements of 

 Odontoglossums, but they will require great care during the winter 

 months. 



Oncidium. Many beautiful Oncidiums succeed under the same 

 cultural conditions as recommended for Odontoglossums, such as 0. 

 incurvum, 0. ornithorhynchum> and the lovely species which belong 

 to the O. macranthum group. These are a success at the cool and 

 most shady end of the house. The long flower-spikes should be trained 

 as they advance around some sticks. These make a fine display when in 

 flower, and last long in perfection. 0. concolor, 0. crispum, 0. Forbesii, 

 and the lovely 0. marshallianum, require slightly warmer conditions in 

 winter. 



Peristeria elata (The Dove Orchid). This is a lovely late 

 summer-flowering Orchid. It needs, unfortunately, stove or hothouse 

 conditions. Ample drainage is required, the potting compost consist- 

 ing of fibrous loam, brown peat, and a little sphagnum moss. To this 

 should be added a liberal proportion of broken crocks or charcoal, and 

 press all moderately firm. Ample moisture, both at the roots and in 

 the atmosphere, must be afforded during the active season of growth. 

 When growth is complete the plants remain dormant for some months, 

 and during this time only sufficient moisture will be required to keep 

 the bulbs plump. 



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