108 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
“‘ Galvanized wire should never be used for suspending the choice 
varieties, as the growths are frequently injured by coming in contact with 
it. I have several times noticed bulbs of Dendrobiums almost ruined by 
contact with the wires during hot sunshine. If the roof wires on which 
the plants are suspended be galvanized, they should receive two coats of 
white paint. 
“A constant supply of rain-water is another very important matter, as 
the plants will not thrive if frequently watered with hard water. In all 
Orchid houses provision should be made for storing all the rain-water 
possible, and if in large open tanks so much the better. The water used for 
dipping should be of about the same temperature as the house in which the 
plants are grown, and this can be secured by having a small tank over the 
hot-water pipes, which should be kept filled. Ido not care to have hot 
pipes constantly running through the large tanks. In dipping the plants 
great care should be exercised, especially during winter and early spring, 
when the young growths are starting, or they may be broken or damaged. 
They should never be plunged beyond the base of the plant, and the tender 
young breaks should never be allowed to.touch the water. : 
‘‘The Dendrobium house should also be provided with trough pipes, 
and these should be kept filled during the growing season, and should 
occasionally have a little manure-water and soot placed in them, taking care, 
however, that they never become dry, or the foliage may be injured. The 
floor of the house should also be sprinkled with manure-water twice a week _ 
during the summer months, the best time being when. the house is closed 
for the night. 
‘‘ Another important matter is to secure plenty of light, as Dendrobiums 
enjoy all the light possible, and a little sunshine, morning and evening, 
though they should be shaded from hot sun during the day. Many people 
say that Dendrobiums grow so well at Cheltenham because we have so 
much sunshine, but not many weeks ago, I saw a few Dendrobes at Stand 
Hall, near Manchester, and I can truly say I never saw better grown plants, 
and Manchester is not blessed with any great amount of sunshine. There 
are also some splendidly grown plants in the collection of Mr. Lee at 
Manchester, and at Highbury and the Uplands, in Birmingham. No doubt 
they must receive less shade near any large town, and cultivators must use 
their own discretion, always striving to give all the light possible, and a 
little sunshine. Never use a permanent shade, or allow the blinds to 
remain down during dull periods. 
‘‘ After re-potting, the plants require more shade for a week or two; also 
great care in watering until the roots take hold of the new soil, after which 
a liberal supply should be given until the growths are completed, when it 
should be gradually reduced, so as to mature the growths, and in autumn 
