Golden Netted-leaved Orcliids. 405 



them to the general air of the stove, than to keep them con- 

 stantly under dell-glasses. 



Opinions and practices differ on this point. Mr. B. S. 

 Williams, of Victoria Nursery, Holloway, is one of the most 

 successful cultivators of these lovely plants, and he prefers 

 bell-glasses, but is very particular to have them removed 

 occasionally and wiped dry, so that there is not for any length 

 of time a stagnant moisture in contact with the leaves. This 

 practice prevails largely. But I have seen some very good 

 collections in perfect health, where bell-glasses were used only 

 on occasions of repotting and dividing the plants, when they 

 certainly render an important service. I shall not soon forget 

 the beautiful examples in the East India Orchid House, at 

 Pine Apple Nursery, Edgeware Boad, where Mr. A. Henderson 

 follows the system I am recommending of exposing them to 

 the common atmosphere of the house, which of course is free 

 from draughts, always moist, and the temperature properly 

 regulated for these and other inmates. The advantages of 

 abolishing glasses are many. In the first place, the plants are 

 seen in all their splendour as components of the general dis- 

 play. When glasses are used, they form no part of the display, 

 and we only see them when making a special investigation of 

 them. Another advantage is that they bear a higher tempera- 

 ture without injury, and are not so soon stewed to death as 

 when shut in close with an excess of moisture about them. A 

 third advantage is saving of expense and trouble, two items of 

 least importance in this case, because growers of Anasctochili 

 are not usually sparing of either. Nevertheless, a saving is a 

 saving, and it deserves mention. When the cultivation is 

 attempted in a warm greenhouse — and an ardent admirer of 

 these plants, having no other convenience, may certainly try a 

 few with a fair prospect of success — bell-glasses or a box with 

 glass top must be used, both to protect them from draughts 

 and from too arid an atmosphere. If opinions are divided on 

 this point, there will be no demur to the proposition that they 

 should not have bottom-heat. If the general temperature of 

 the house is right, then all is right in that respect, and bottom- 

 heat is neither necessary nor desirable. 



There is another point of importance, of great importance 

 indeed to the botanico-cultivator. It is this, that it benefits the 

 plants to allow them to flower. The general opinion is that 

 the flowers should be nipped out, in order to throw all the 

 vigour of the plant into the leaves, that the leaves may be fully 

 developed, that they may have their proper lustre and rich- 

 ness of painting. Well, the consequence is that an immense 

 number of plants have been lost, through not being allowed 

 to bloom, and much enjoyment has been lost also for the 



