40 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 
use “anything but water’’—that being the common ex- 
pression. The same secrecy is observed by the Orchid 
expert in most cases. Another thing is that there is no 
common formula accepted by all practitioners. Each seems 
to have his own opinions as to materials, quality, and 
strength of the stimulants used. 
One thing is certain, that even where artificial manures 
are used, the time of application and its discontinuance has 
more to do with success or failure than the nature of the 
manure itself. Even in cases where the administration of 
a mild stimulant is of use during the period of active growth 
and free rooting, if the manure is not discontinued after 
growth is completed much mischief is done. 
It is not necessary to go into the relative merits of 
chemical manures, which are not recommended for use, 
but it may be stated that some growers do use small 
quantities with apparently good results, restricting the use 
of the manure to the active growing season and during the 
time the flower-spikes are forming. Aérides, Saccolabiums, 
and Vandas seem to be exceptions, as they represent the 
highest development of the epiphyte. Odontoglossums 
and some similar Orchids have been treated to a very 
small quantity of Peruvian guano sprinkled in the water 
used for watering them in spring while the flowers were 
forming, and without a had effect; but the quantity used 
was very small, and the water was not allowed to touch the 
leaves or pseudo-bulbs. One grower on the Continent was 
in the habit of sprinkling a handful of nitrate of soda in 
the gutter of the house, especially before, or during heavy 
rain, in order that a little solution of it might be carried 
into the rain-water tanks in the Orchid house. His plants 
