12 okchid-geower's manual. 



TREATMENT DURING THE TIME OF REST. 



S the time of starting into growth varies considerably 

 with different kinds, so also, as a matter of course, 

 will the season of rest, although with but few ex- 

 ceptions it comes on during the autumn months. Rest, it has 

 been elsewhere stated, is of great importance to Orchids, as 

 well as to other things. No plant wiU continue long in good 

 health without it. My practice is to give them a long season 

 of rest, generally from November to the middle of February. 

 During this time the temperature of the East Indian house 

 should be regulated so as to keep it as nearly as possible at 

 60° by night and 65° by day ; but by sun-heat the temperature 

 will rise a few degrees higher. Air must then be given so as 

 to keep it about 65° ; but a few degrees of solar warmth 

 above this point will do no harm. A little air should be given 

 on every fine day, in order to dry up the moisture ; but the air 

 must be admitted so as to pass over the hot- water pipes, so 

 that it may become warm on entering the house. In the case 

 of those plants that come from the hotter parts of India, the 

 temperature should not be allowed to go below 60°. The 

 Brazilian house, which may also include all the species from 

 the warmer parts of Mexico, should range from 50° to 55° by 

 night, and from 55° to 60° by day; this should not be allowed 

 to go below 50° at night. The New Grenadan, or cool-house, 

 should not be allowed to get below about 45°. 



Rest is induced by lowering the temperature, and with- 

 holding water. During this period the plants should only 

 receive sufficient water to keep them from shrivelling. There 

 are, however, some that will grow during the winter months, 

 amongst which may be enumerated many species of Aerides, 



