The Guiana Orchids. 13 



vermin, and is somewhat unsightly. A better house 

 again is that which is boarded at the sides, covered on the 

 top with wire netting on which scrim canvass is laid. 

 Here every Guiana orchid can be grown, and with a little 

 attention to syringing the air will be kept always damp 

 and in the best condition for the health of the plants. 

 After all however, there is nothing equal to the glass 

 house. True, we do not require boilers and hot water 

 pipes, but the greenhouse is as useful in the tropics as in 

 the old country. It is only in such a structure that pro- 

 te6lion is secured against the myriads of inse6l pests 

 which are continually on the look out for tender aerial 

 roots and flower buds. Then again it is in such a struc- 

 ture that the light can be properly regulated and uniform 

 dampness secured at all times, entirely regardless of 

 what the weather may be outside. Further, many plants 

 which could not possibly be grown under other condi- 

 tions in Georgetown,here flourish to perfe6lion. Fernsand 

 selaginellas overrun the stages if left alone, and fibrous peat 

 and sphagnum moss may be used for the orchids as they are 

 in England. We have had in the glass house beautiful 

 curtains of pitcher plants (Nepenthes) stretching along 

 three sides and such maidenhair ferns as are never seen 

 otherwise. Then, such delicate orchids as Vanda caerulea, 

 Phalaenopsis, Zygopetalon and Aganisia pulchella flower 

 freely and never get burnt at the edges of their petals. 

 Such a greenhouse can be built of any shape or size, 

 and may be as simple or ornate as the pocket will allow. 

 The only difference between its management and that of 

 such an erection in cold climates (besides the heating 

 apparatus) is the shading. We have tried a light film of 

 white paint on the, glass, but this is not so useful as a 



