246 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
_ So exceptionally cold and comparatively sunless was, to say the least, rather 
against amateur Orchid growing, and especially so in the case of those who 
are absent from home during the greater part of the day. When one is at 
home it is possible to turn almost all kinds of weather to good account, but 
if during absence the house has to remain as it was left, the chances of suc- 
cess are greatly curtailed. It may be all right so long as the weather is some- 
what settled, but not at other times. Sudden climatic changes are the chief 
danger, and it is important that whoever is left in charge should know how 
and when to act in such cases. During dull weather, for example, it is 
ofttimes quite easy to create a good growing atmosphere inside, quite as well 
for the plants, if not better, than when it is so fearfully hot. In the former 
event, shading might not be required, and the plants would therefore get 
plenty of light, whilst the sun, although not actually shining, would 
generally warm up the temperature. 
Soon after the advent of July, dull weather suddenly gave place to 
extreme heat and powerfully bright sunshine, and if anything should have 
got a little behind in growth, this will soon put it right: Shade well 
during the brightest part of the day, and close the ventilators as early in 
the afternoon as the aspect of the house, &c., will admit, at the same time 
thoroughly well syringing the plants. Water all dry plants the first thing 
in the morning with the watering-can before syringing, because afterwards 
they cannot be so easily detected. During the time that no fire heat is 
wanted, the plants will not dry up very quickly, and syringing alone will 
mostly suffice. But at the same time, be careful that they sometimes have 
a soaking, especially those in small hanging receptacles, by dipping in a 
bucket of water. Dendrobiums Wardianum, thyrsiflorum, densiflorum, and 
others, having made up, would be better if removed for a month or two to 
a cooler place, and might be put in the Odontoglossum department, if room 
existed, or a more suitable position might be, perhaps, found for them in 
a conservatory or covered porch, thus being partially out of doors. They 
would certainly take no harm if so treated during this hot summer weather 
for the next month or so, unless too much deprived of water. I have before 
now tried the earliest of the Cattleya Trianz and others in this way, and 
found it answer admirably. It is not so important, however, that Cattleyas 
or anything else should be removed, as for the Dendrobiums mentioned. 
Disa grandiflora should certainly be grown by all, for it is a lovely 
Orchid. The cool Odontoglossum department should grow it well, if it had 
the very coolest and most airy part reserved for it during the winter 
months. It blooms during the present month, and makes a most striking 
feature whenever exhibited. Pot up early in September in sandy peat, and 
keep moist and shady for a month or six weeks, by which time it will have 
recovered, after which keep moderately dry and cool until spring, and then 
