22 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 



Watering during the present month must be done carefully in the 

 various departments, giving sufficient only to meet the requirements of the 

 various genera, whilst damping down will depend greatly on the amount of 

 fire heat required. In no case should this be carried to excess, or harm will 

 be the result. Endeavour to maintain the houses as genial and health-giving 

 as possible by avoiding a dry, hot, stuffy atmosphere. 



TO OUR READERS. 



The Orchid Review is now entering upon its tenth year of publication, 

 and we have received a number of congratulatory letters, for which we 

 thank our esteemed correspondents. We have also received some sugges- 

 tions which deserve consideration. It will be remembered that last year 

 we took the step of reducing the cost of the work to sixpence monthly. At 

 that time many correspondents welcomed the change, but a few regretted 

 it, and would rather have seen an increase in the number of illustrations, 

 or the introduction of occasional, if not monthly, coloured plates. At all 

 events the change has had the effect of largely increasing the circulation, 

 and if the steady progress which has hitherto attended the work is main- 

 tained in the future we shall be able to increase the number of illustrations. 

 Coloured plates, we fear, are too costly, and until the new three-colour 

 process of photography comes with the range of practical politics we may 

 have to be content with monochrome, which, apart from colour, leaves little 

 to be desired. The superior accuracy and pictorial effect of the photographic 

 method, as seen in the half-tone process, over the old line drawing is now 

 recognized by its general adoption. Suggestions for giving a more complete 

 record of the ever increasing number of hybrids are already being acted 

 upon, but in this, as in several other matters, we hope for increased co-opera- 

 tion on the part of our readers, whose energy is apt to become embarrassing, 

 so rapid is the progress which is being made. A little of this energy might 

 be usefully employed in furnishing us with occasional notes of their doings 

 and personal experiences, in a form for publication. Our pages are always 

 ©pen to such communications, which give an additional interest and enlarge 

 the usefulness of the work. Photographs for reproduction should be good 

 strong prints on smooth paper, and with a well contrasted background. 

 Any necessary alterations and improvements will be introduced as circum- 

 stances require, for our aim is to keep the work progressive, and make it 

 indispensable to all lovers of these beautiful plants. Our readers can 

 materially help us in attaining this end, and we shall rely upon their assis- 

 tance. Finally to one and all we wish A Happy New Year, and increased 

 prosperity to their collections. 



