276 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
Still keep the Cool House as low as possible, both night and day. The 
dewy night air let in to the plants will do them an enormous amount of 
good. Here also reduce the shading considerably, but continue to damp 
down copiously ; at the same time avoid getting the compost too heavily 
charged with water. 
In all other departments it has again become advisable to have a little 
fire heat at times, principally during the late night and early morning hours. 
I therefore advise, in order that the ripening process may proceed uninter- 
ruptedly, that a little warmth be now kept in the pipes each night, even 
though it may be only for a few hours, and in sunless, chilly weather during 
the day also. 
We have now practically passed the dullest season for flowering Orchids, 
and their numbers will now gradually increase until November is reached, 
when we are assured of a grand display. Cypripedium Charlesworthii is 
now making a good show. It is a small and rather slow growing species, 
but on the other hand is very free blooming, numbers of its pretty, more or 
less pink and white dorsal-sepaled flowers are now to be seen. I find it 
does best with me in a moist and shady position in the Intermediate depart- 
ment. It will withstand the Cool house treatment, but does not grow 
nearly so well. It is especially fond of moisture, and should be kept well 
syringed during the growing season. Particular care is necessary when 
cleaning or repotting this species, as the leaves on being raised are apt to 
snap partly asunder near the base, and, of course, eventually die off. After 
blooming, the plants will remain comparatively inactive during the winter 
months, but should never be allowed to get very dry. Repot in early spring 
in the usual compost recommended for the genus, broken in small pieces 
and thoroughly well mixed up together. The system of placing ina lump 
of peat and sphagnum moss alternately is bad for all Orchids, and decidedly 
so for Cypripediums. C. insigne and its varieties are now pushing up spikes, 
and these I always find bloom much more satisfactorily when somewhat 
pot-bound, and when this is so a watering or two of cow or sheep manure 
will assist them greatly. 
Vanda ccerulea is another species just now in its beauty. The 
Intermediate or Cattleya House seems to answer the requirements of this 
species better than any other, where, under exactly similar conditions 
to those given to Cattleyas, it usually thrives well. Unfortunately it has 
the reputation of deteriorating, a reputation which in most gardens is too 
true. I have seen it, however, last in a vigorous and healthy looking 
condition for a period of many years. Rational treatment, such as plenty 
of moisture when in full growth, a moderate supply when at rest, sufficient 
light, shade, and a well ventilated atmosphere—just that which grows any 
other plant well—is the only safe method of ensuring a long life to this 
