(DECEMBER, 1907.| THE ORCHID REVIEW. 357 
leaves, and after all, why not make the houses as picturesque as possible ? 
I have many times noticed when there is nothing in flower in a house, 
visitors—I do not mean Orchid visitors—take more notice of the 
various small plants used on the edges and underneath the stages than they 
do of the Orchids. A garden should be a place of beauty and refinement, 
that will bring pleasure to all, and if such aids to beautifying the houses 
are not detrimental to the Orchids—and I am sure they are not—why 
not use them and make the houses as pleasing as possible ? 
PREPARING PEAT.—This is another and very important item that can well 
be done now, thus saving much valuable time in the midst of the busy potting 
season. This is work that does take up a lot of time, and peat, prepared 
ready for use, and kept in tubs or bins, keeps just as well as unprepared, 
In fact, I think it is very desirable that peat should be stored some time 
before using, and sufficient for next season’s work should be got in and 
prepared without delay. There are often many days when the outside 
labourers can do nothing, and when possible such help should be taken 
advantage of. Have everything got ready that does not deteriorate by 
keeping. 
Crocks in various sizes should be prepared, and most important of all, 
crock dust. This used to take us a long time to prepare before we had a 
small crock-breaking machine, but with its aid we can soon prepare a good 
quantity. We have been very liberal with small crock and dust in our compost 
for some time, and the more we use the better we like it. Especially would 
I advise its use freely when the peat does not contain much fibre. Get it 
ready now—it is surprising what foresight and good management can 
attain when consistently carried out in any branch of gardening, and in nO 
branch is it more important than in Orchid culture, for when the potting 
time comes on it is with more orlessofarush. There are many other things 
that demand much attention at that season, so that anything that can be 
accomplished now will help in forwarding the potting of plants the day they 
are ready, and plants potted just at the right time will fully « peeatapaia the 
prompt attention to their needs. When there is a delay in waiting for 
material, or in its preparation, the roots will have made too much headway 
to pot without some injury accruing. : 
DENDROBIUMS.—The flower buds are now fast pushing from the nodes 
on the majority of the semi-deciduous Dendrobiums. If it is desirable to ' 
bring some into flower early, they should be moved from the house e 
which they have been resting, and given a slightly warmer position an 
more water. It is important that the change should be gradual, both as 
A house where a minimum of 60° and 
regards water and temperature. 
The most important point 
maximum of 70° is kept would be very suitable. 
is to see that they have the maximum of light. 
