14 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [JANUARY, Igo. 
sure that it requires it, for at this time of the year itis much better to havea 
plant dry than to have it overwatered. If plants are overwatered at this 
season they may appear healthy for a time, but if the roots are examined 
afterwards you may find that they have nearly all rotted, but a plant that 
has been kept on the dry side will have nearly every root in a sound 
condition, and a plant that has kept its roots through the winter will give 
much better results thanone that has to make new roots before it can begin 
to grow. Give only sufficient water to prevent the plants from shrivelling, 
always excepting those that are making new growths, which should have a 
little more, to help them to grow satisfactorily. 
Dampinc Down.—The damping of the houses will have to be carefully 
attended to, according to the state of the weather. Ifit isa bright morning, 
give the houses a thorough damping, and they will only require the floor 
damping afterwards about two o’clock inthe afternoon. Ona dull and mild 
day give one damping in the morning, which will be sufficient for the day. 
During cold weather, when an increase of fire-heat is necessary, the amount 
of moisture must be increased accordingly, to avoid drying the plants too 
much, and to act as a check to red spider and thrip. Use the bottom 
ventilators to admit a supply of fresh air whenever the weather permits, if 
it is only for one hour per day. 
CLEANSING THE Houses.—If not already done this should be attended 
to at once. Give all the woodwork a good washing down, inside and out, 
as it makes the houses a great deal sweeter, looks better, and admits a great 
deal more light to the plants, for which they will thank you by growing more 
sturdily. The plants themselves should also have a thorough wash with a 
good insecticide, diluted to the proper strength, and all old sticks should be 
replaced by new ones. It gives the plants a better appearance, and does 
them good to be thoroughly cleansed at this season, besides giving the 
grower a good start for the coming year by having a clean stock, which will 
Save a lot of time later on, when it can ill be spared. | 
SPHAGNUM Moss.—A good stock of this material should be got in at 
once, as very often during this month and next it is hard to get, owing to its 
being frost bound, and this causes a delay in commencing preparations for 
potting. 
CYPRIPEDIUMS are now making a good show. The flowers should be 
neatly tied up to their sticks, which may be either dyed or painted green. 
They look much better when tied up than when left to hang in any direction, 
and have crooked stems, and are also more useful for cutting. Towards the end 
of the month any that have gone out of flower may be repotted, using pots large 
enough to last them till next season. If the compost they are in is sweet and 
good, they should not be disturbed more than possible, but if it is decayed 
every particle should be carefully picked out with a pointed stick, afterwards 
