24 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
above remarks the necessity for grouping will at once be seen. The 
miscellaneous Orchids should be given the most shady part, the Cattleyas 
coming next, while the Mexican house Orchids should have the greatest 
amount of light. It is remarkable how Orchids, many of which come from 
thousands of miles apart, will prosper under the came conditions. 
In such a house as above described the difference at this time of the year 
between light and dark places is small indeed, and it is best to group the 
plants according to their state of growth. For instance, the Cattleyas and 
Lzlias are mostly dormant, and should therefore be placed in the driest 
position, while such as the intermediate Cypripediums, Oncidiums, Odonto- 
glossums, &c., many of which are never at rest, should be given the 
warmest and moistest positions. Of course there are exceptions which 
must be observed ; Odontoglossum citrosmum, for instance, requires as much 
or more drought than the Lzlias when resting, or it fails to flower. When 
speaking of resting Orchids one’s remarks are sometimes so misunderstood, 
that the plants are kept so dry and shrivelled up as to very seriously injure 
them. To advise when and how often to water is a very difficult matter ; 
but whatever is done never let a plant shrivel. Generally speaking, plants 
that are resting should be watered when the compost has looked dry for a 
few days, and is slightly crisp to the touch, while those that are growing 
should at this season be watered very moderately indeed. No repotting 
will be necessary in this house during this month. See that the atmo- 
sphere is kept moist and genial, as advised for the Cool house. Ventilate 
from the bottom at all times when the outside conditions will permit. 
THE Warm or East INDIAN Hovuse.—This house contains those 
species that require the greatest amount of warmth, such as Phalzenopsis, 
Saccolabiums, Aérides, Angraecums, Phaius, many of the Vandas, Dendro- 
biums, and others. As in the cther houses, a genial temperature must be 
kept up by means of damping down and by ventilating on all suitable occa- 
sions. The watering must also here be done with care, but on no account 
should this class of Orchids be allowed to suffer from drought, for, having 
no pseudobulbs, they soon suffer. 
A start with the season’s work of repotting and ieee may be 
made in this house by top-dressing or renewing the sphagnum moss to such 
species as Aérides and Saccolabiums. No peat need be used. Get ready a 
good supply of clean crocks, fresh sphagnum moss, neat sticks painted 
green, and some charcoal. In cases where the material was renewed last 
year, a top-dressing with fresh sphagnum will suffice. If the plants are in 
a good plump condition, and have healthy roots clinging to the crocks and 
sides of the pot, they need not be turned out. Simply remove the old moss 
and as many of the old crocks as possible, and carefully supply fresh. 
Should the plants, on the other hand, be unstable, or in a bad and shrivelled 
condition, it is best to lower the stems in new pots or teak-wood cylinders, 
