4 
THE ORCHID REVIEW. 89. 
means of fixing them. Many growers have their own ideas and inventions, 
both as regards material and the speedy method of bringing it in and out 
of use. This is of course a necessity, for often there is some peculiarity 
or complication in the structure that requires to be specially dealt with. I 
would advise, firstly, that the shading be not permanent if it can possibly 
be avoided, but let it be placed so that it can be removed, or rolled up 
during the evenings and sunless days. Secondly, let the shading be of a 
suitable thickness for the plants which it is intended to cover. For cool 
Orchids, and all others preferring shade, it should be rather thickly woven ; 
but for those only loving partial shade, such as most of the Cattleyas and 
Dendrobiums, it should be about half as thick; while for those loving more 
light, such as the Mexican Orchids, it should be very thin. Lath blinds are 
also now manufactured for the purpose of shading Orchid Houses, the 
space between each lath being determined according to the amount of 
shade required. These latter I have found extremely good and serviceable, 
and can highly recommend them. Thirdly, let the blinds, whatever kind 
they are, be raised if possible six inches at least from the glass roof of the 
house, for this is a great advantage in keeping the temperature cool during 
very hot weather. 
The deciduous Calanthes should now be occupying a warm and dry 
position in the East Indian House, and but very little water given. It is 
not well to repot these Orchids too early; the beginning of next month 
will be soon enough. The roots push out then quicker, and are better able 
to take to the new soil while it is still fresh and sweet. If any of the 
plants gave signs of disease last season by showing black spots, they should 
now be shaken out of the old compost, and after being well cleaned, set 
upright on a layer of fresh sphagum moss on the stage, which may be 
slightly damped occasionally. This fresh moss underneath them seems to 
resuscitate and give them renewed strength, and new roots will soon push 
out, when they should be potted up. If any of the pseudobulbs are 
decayed, let the diseased portion be scraped clean away, and the wound 
dusted with powdered charcoal. 
Towards the end of this or by the beginning of next E aeons will also 
be early enough to repot Thunias.. These should still occupy a dry place 
in a light position in the Mexican House, taking care that they get but 
very little water. Of course, if either Calanthes or Thunias have pre- 
viously been kept wet or otherwise unduly excited, so as to cause early 
growth, which is already perhaps two or three inches long, the above remarks 
will not apply, and in such cases they should be potted up earlier, taking 
great care that both are kept on the dry side afterwards until the new 
growth is well up, and the plants nicely rooted. Lumpy peat and 
sphagnum moss in equal proportions mixed together is good for Thunias ; 
the pots should be about half filled with crocks, and four or five strong 
