148 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
expected, and when no one may be at hand to quickly let down the: blinds- 
The knowledge of a preventative from immediate danger is at such times a 
great relief. i 
DAMPING AND WATERING.—The process of distributing water between 
the pots and about the house, by means ofa syringe or hose pipe, must now 
be done at the very least twice a day. Three times will not be too many. 
It keeps the atmosphere moist, which is most important during the whole 
of the growing season. The syringe should also be freely used amongst the 
plants overhead, but for this purpose tepid soft water should be used. As 
regards the watering at the root it will now scarcely be possible to go far 
wrong by giving over-much, as is the fear during the winter. Water well 
when the surface looks dry. It must be borne in mind, however, that plants. 
re-potted during the spring, and the compost consequently light and 
porous, will require rather more frequent. supplies than others which have 
only been top-dressed. This is on account of the compost of the 
latter, having become more closely settled down, being less. accessible to: 
the influence of the air. 
VENTILATION.—There. are times, of course, when it is perfectly 
necessary to open the top ventilators to prevent an over-heated and 
stifling atmosphere. They should, however, be opened with a. good deal. 
of caution, principally making use of those on the leeward side, so that the 
moist, growing atmosphere is not needlessly rushed away. Houses should 
always have ample means of bottom ventilation. The ventilation at the 
ends of the house should be opened before having recourse to the top ones. 
FLOWERS SPOTTING.—This is a frequent source of annoyance, the chief 
cause of which is the damp atmosphere necessary for the growth of the 
plants, and it is bound to occur as soon as the warmth from the pipes is 
discontinued during the nights. The only possible preventative is to main- 
tain a slight warmth in the pipes with, at the same time, a gentle circulation 
of air. It isa pity to lose a fine show of Odontoglossums through spot,. 
and the little warmth necessary to avoid such a loss can scarcely have 
any ill effect from a cultural standpoint for a few weeks while the chief show 
ison. This is where the usefulness of a show or flowering house comes in, 
which can be kept at the right atmospherical condition for preserving ‘the 
flowers in a perfect state.’ Often one may see beautiful Cattleyas during 
the summer spoilt nearly as soon as they expand, only through the cool. 
moisture at night, which, on the other hand, is so advantageous to growth. 
RE-POTTING.—Do as much of this work as is possible during this 
month. Some few Dendrobiums still remain to be done, and should now 
be attended to. D. Phalaenopsis is one, and it is a species which is really 
best if done annually. Keep it to very small receptacles, and use a compost 
of chopped sphagnum and finely broken peat, well. mixed. together with. 
