The Culture of Greenhouse Orchids 



I myself syringe only after a hot day. I glance 

 over the shelves every morning ; but I know where 

 to look for the situations where plants are likely to 

 be dry. Not till the third day, even in summer, 

 will the bulk of them want water. But it is neces- 

 sary to understand that mine is a lean-to house 

 facing north and south, with brickwork on either 

 hand ; and that the floor, walls, stage, everything 

 except the plants, are deluged with the hose morn- 

 ing and evening, and once or twice between, in hot 

 weather. 



I trust the reader finds some guidance in con- 

 templating these extremes. The Latin Grammar 

 contains an appropriate motto — In medio tutissimus 

 ■ibis. 



If the house is to stand at 50° to 45° all night, 

 the reader can judge for himself when fire-heat 

 becomes necessary. It may be in October or 

 November, and it may cease for good in April. 

 There is a general rule, however — Better too cold 

 than too hot. To "smell the pipes," as gardeners 

 say, is a warning of danger. Turn the hose upon 

 them at once, and raise a cloud of steam. Some 

 authorities object to this practice, but not so many 

 now, I think, as formerly. They assert that it 

 causes the tips of the leaves to wither, especially 

 those of the favourite 0. liossii. I suffered from 

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