14 THE ORCHID REVIEW. (JANUARY, 1917. 
greater advantages enjoyed by the large grower. The small grower in : 
many cases also suffers from the smallness of his houses, as small houses — 
fluctuate more quickly than those of larger size. 
The work of the present month consists chiefly in maintaining the — 
proper temperatures, providing suitable atmospheric conditions, and the 
cleansing of the plants and houses, so that when the growing season comes — 
round everything can start without any impediment. For the present, 
everything should be kept as quiet as possible, no attempt being made to. 
push plants into growth or flower, as premature growth is weak and ~ 
unsatisfactory. 
VENTILATION.—At this season some discretion must be used in the | 
admission of fresh air, and this must be done by some means every day, aS 
a stagnant atmosphere is most injurious. The observant cultivator will : | 
soon find the difference between a badly ventilated and a judiciously 
ventilated house, not only by his own personal comfort, but in the health 
and vigour of his plants. It is astonishing what can be accomplished by 
opening a single ventilator for the space of half an hour or so during the - 
day, if only one or two inches. Of course the different houses vary | 
considerably in their requirements, so no definite rule can be laid down, _ 
and draughts must be avoided at all costs. To those who do not succeed 
exactly as they would like, I would urge a closer study of the atmospheric 
conditions in their houses. ; 
ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE is another essential that must be regulated 
according to the outside conditions, and the amount of heat. in the 
respective houses. Should the outside conditions be clear or bright, Om 
should it have been necessary to use much fire heat, owing to frost, more — 
moisture is required than when the outside atmosphere is heavily charged 4 
with moisture. The great thing to avoid at all times isa heavily-saturated — : 
WaATERIN 
G.—At this season the greatest care must be taken in wateri0 
the plants. 
Many will be at rest, and these only require sufficient water to 
keep them from shrivelling; others will be growing, and require water — 
whenever they become dry. A recognition of this difference is one of the — 
great secrets of successful cultivation. : 
Too much water is as bad as too little, both — j 
dangerous, though the second is the lesser of two evils. ie 
the same consideration was given to the application of water as is given in 
making up the compost, much better results would be obtained. A safe 
extremes being 
