ORCHIDS 



Damping. 



early to permit of the moisture becoming distilled before 

 the cool evening temperatures set in. 



Ventilating. 



From time to time much has been said about the 

 provision of a free circulation of air about the plants. It 

 it all very well to retain a sweet and healthy state of the 

 atmosphere, but there is limit even to this, and generally 

 speaking there is no detail in Orchid culture that needs 

 more thoughtful attention. The changeable conditions of 

 our climate are responsible for considerable fluctuations 

 of temperature ; so that it is most important that these 

 sudden changes should be carefully guarded against. 

 Where the sun has been shining brightl}-, but not 

 sufficient to necessitate lowering the roof blinds, and 

 the temperature has been maintained at the desired 

 degree by the use of the ventilators, then the conditions 

 are such as to call for the lowering of the blinds. Unless 

 the ventilators are closed sufficiently to counteract the 

 effect of more shade, the result is a sudden drop in the 

 temperature inside the house. It is changes such as these 

 that affect the well-being of the plants, and therefore they 

 have to be guarded against. Preferably the cultivator 

 should make use of the lower ventilators. The reason 

 for this is that as soon as the roof ventilators are opened, 

 an outlet is formed for the atmospheric moisture, which 

 it is absolutely necessary to retain during the hottest 

 weather, and at the season when the plants are in the 

 most active state of growth. Direct draughts from the 

 ventilators are very injurious. 



Stoking. 



This is an art that few young gardeners acquire, while 

 the majority .seem to treat it as but a minor detail, 

 instead of being one of the most important in connection 

 with plant-growing under glass. To be able to provide and 

 maintain the desired temperature with the least possible 

 fluctuation is not a matter to be lightly re^-arded nor is 

 it so easy of accomplishment as some would have us 

 believe. To dispense with as much fire heat as possible, 



