200 



ORCHIDS 



Dendrobiuni. 



they require very little shading. For the tropical species 

 the temperatures most suitable are as follow ; 



Xovcnibur lo Fcbniary 

 Fcbruar)" to April 



May to Aufjust 



September and October . . 



55 

 60-65 

 65-70 

 60-65 



Although the above temperatures apply general!)', the 

 real test is the condition of the plants, of which the 

 cultivator must make careful note. 



During the growing season the atmosphere should be 

 kept saturated by frequently damping the paths, stages, 

 &c. ; and as soon as the normal temperature has been 

 reached, and the outside conditions are favourable, the 

 plants should be thoroughly saturated with the S3'ringe, 

 as frequently as may be necessary to maintain a thorough 

 moistness in the atmosphere. Care should be observed 

 to see that the foliage is allowed to become dry before 

 the cooler cx'ening temperature arrives. The house 

 should be closed earl}' in the afternoon, making as much 

 use as possible of the sun-heat. It will be beneficial to the 

 plants if a high temperature is maintained during the 

 afternoon. Every encouragement should be gi\-en to 

 induce the plants to mature their growth during our 

 short summer. They require a long rest after they reach 

 maturit}'. 



The plants, after reaching maturit}-, should not be taken 

 direct from their growing quarters and placed in a di')', 

 air\' position, but they should be graduall}' removed, thereby- 

 avoiding an}- possibility of check in transit. During the 

 resting season onl}' sufficient water will be required to 

 keep the pseudo-bulbs in a normal state until the flower- 

 buds make their appearance, when the plants should be 

 again accorded ^^'armer conditions and be more liberalh' 

 dealt with. These remarks appl}- to the deciduous 

 section. The Evergreen, and members of the New Guinea 

 and Australian sections, are best rested in the house in 



