20 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [JANUARY, 1916, 
use a considerable amount of fire heat, sufficient moisture should be used to 
prevent a dry parched atmosphere; on the other hand, the opposite must 
be avoided, as a low temperature heavily charged with moisture is most 
detrimental to, and is the cause of many ill-matured plants falling a prey to 
various diseases. 
WATERING.—The application of water to the roots of the plants, 
combined with that contained in the atmosphere, is the great secret of 
successful cultivation. At this particular season, when some plants are at 
rest and others making growth, the application of water to the roots of the 
‘plants must have careful attention. The effect of too much water is much 
the same as too little; an excess causes the roots and the compost to decay, 
whilst any insufficiency makes them wither and die, and the loss of roots to 
any plant spells disaster. The compost in which the plant is growing has 
also to be taken into consideration, as some composts retain water more 
than others. Again, a plant potted firmly will differ from one potted loosely 
in the amount of water it will take up, and by careful observation the 
cultivator will soon get to know the requirements of his plants individually. 
Those plants at rest should only have sufficient water given them to prevent 
shrivelling, whilst with those in growth care should be taken that the 
compost becomes dry between each operation. In every case at this season 
it is wise to err on the side of carefulness. 
GENERAL WORK.—The general work of the present month will consist 
chiefly in cleansing of the plants and the houses, and should these two essential 
items be in arrears through a shortage of labour, every effort should be 
made to bring them up to date as speedily as possible. Light being an 
essential factor in keeping plants healthy during our long winter months, — 
and as the recent wet and foggy weather leaves a deposit upon the glass, 
which obscures the light, every effort should be made to keep it as clean aS 
possible. In districts near large cities this item needs constant attention. 
ODONTOGLOossuMs that are showing for flower should be carefully and 
neatly staked up as the spikes become long enough. They are best set by 
themselves, where they can be examined from time to time for slugs, which | 
devour the spikes and do irreparable harm. Small, weakly plants which 
show spikes should have them removed as soon as they show, as such 
plants should not be allowed to produce flowers until they get fairly robust 
and strong. Towards the end of the month any plants that were omitted 
in the autumn and now need repotting may have attention when they 
reach the desired condition, namely, wher the young growths are about to 
push new roots. Many failures are attributable to potting these plants when 
not in the right condition. Those that are in a sour compost should be 
removed and placed in sweet and healthy material, keeping them on the dry 
side until new roots are observed to be pushing. 
