THE ORCHID REVIEW. 23 
Carry it with me loose in mv ticket pocket, and am so accustomed to take 
out a pinch between thumb and finger when any sign of thrip is noticed, 
that I often do it unthinkingly when in the company of visitors, whom I 
have observed look somewhat surprised. But it’s not snuff—oh, dear no! 
simply tobacco powder, a rare preventative against thrip if used quite dry, 
and well dusted down in the axils of the young growths. 
Water very carefully, especially plants in large pots, letting them get 
dry and remain so for several days before water is given. What is meant 
by dry is when the surface sphagnum moss looks white. Do not allow the 
atmosphere to become dry, but thoroughly damp the paths and walls once 
or twice a day according to the amount of fire heat used. Damping 
between the pots at this time of the year should be done with great caution, 
that is supposing they are standing on closed stages surfaced with shingle, 
but if the stages are open (the usual lattice wood-work) it may be done 
more thoroughly, for then the moisture dries up quickly—conditions under 
which the plants thrive best. 
Ventilate as freely as the weather will permit; this work, however, will 
be mostly upon the bottom ventilators these cold winter months, and 
frequently it will be necessary to keep these closed. During mild weather 
the top ventilators may be opened, especially those on the leeward side. 
Keep a sharp look-out for flower spikes as they appear, or the slugs may 
find them first. Tobacco powder dusted on the spikes will also deter 
slugs, which should be trapped and caught in cut potatoes, or carrots, or 
lettuce-leaves. 
There are so many Orchids coming under the heading of intermediate, 
that it is customary in large establishments to provide several different 
departments for their accommodation. One is known as the Cattleya 
house, another as the Intermediate house, the occupants of which are 
usually of a miscellaneous character, and where nearly all genera are repre- 
sented by a larger or smaller number of species, Oncidiums, Odontoglossums, 
Coelogynes, Cymbidiums, Maxillarias, Lycastes, Epidendrums, and Cypri- 
pediums, predominating. Another very useful house is known as the 
Mexican house, which contains principally Orchids coming from that 
country. Perhaps the cultivator has a greater chance to meet with success 
when these various structures are at command; still, they are not absolutely 
necessary, for the whole may be grown quite successfully in one division 
coming under the head of intermediate. In the first place, the difference 
between the treatment of the occupants of the two first-named houses 
is indeed very trifling, and scarcely enough to mention; the Cattleyas, 
perhaps, liking a little more sunshine than the others, while the only 
difference required by the inmates of the Mexican house is that they must 
have a good deal of sunshine. Of course this can easily be managed by 
shading less at that part of the house where the latter are located. By the 
