January, 1915.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. IE 
slightly damp state. Be careful to have the soil as firm below as on the 
surface, as then watering can be carried out with complete satisfaction. 
For newly potted plants a good dose of water after the operation will be 
sufficient for several days, but for any not potted, only sufficient should be 
given to keep the compost from getting dry. If possible, newly potted 
plants will do better for a time at the warmer part of the house. 
Owing to the skill of the hybridist, many hundreds of fine and beautiful 
crosses have been raised, and in the case of a beginner desiring to make a 
selection, I would advise a visit to some nursery in preference to giving a 
list, as individual tastes differ, but many magnificent varieties can be 
procured at the nominal cost of a few shillings each. 
Oncidiums are also very gorgeous winter-flowering Orchids, bearing long 
spikes of yellow and brown blossoms, and are also of easy cultivation. To 
all those in bud or spike, give plenty of water to enable them to unfold 
their blooms to perfection, but as soon as any show signs of fading, cut the 
spike and keep the plants ‘almost dry, giving only enough water to prevent 
the bulbs from shrivelling. The amateur need not feél disappointment at 
cutting off the spike when the flowers at the bottom begin to fade, for ifit is 
placed in water to which is added a pinch of salt or nitre, the remaining 
blossoms will keep as fresh as if left on the plant, and the latter will be 
greatly encouraged in forming a strong healthy bulb for the ensuing year. 
For the usual inmates of an Amateur’s Orchid house, 50° Fahr. may be 
regarded as an average temperature suitable to their requirements, but 
regularity in this is of vital importance, coupled with the admission of fresh 
air and an atmosphere well laden with moisture. The bottom ventilators 
should be opened daily, if only for half an hour, as it will assist in keeping 
a buoyant and fresh interior atmosphere, and by syringing between the pots, 
and on the floor, usually every morning, sufficient humidity will be raised to 
meet the requirements of the plants. On noaccount spray the foliage, or 
over-water, especially at this season. If the temperature falls below 
45° Fahr. at any time, the amateur need have no cause for fear, providing 
the requisite amount of heat is soon restored and that the plants and 
atmosphere were comparatively dry at the time. 
common sense and good judgment in regard to watering and ventila- 
tion are necessary in Orchid cultivation, and are of far greater importance 
than the particular aspect or construction of the house, as I have seen 
rchids thriving under many strange conditions, but doing so because their 
immediate requirements were understood. In the event of a beginner 
reading these articles, I cannot too strongly impress the great importance 
of starting with good sound healthy plants of flowering size, and if such are 
procured, a collection of Orchids will give untold pleasure and just as little 
trouble as required by any ordinary greenhouse plant. 
