42 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
THE CULTIVATION OF ORCHIDS IN ITALY. 
THE cultivation of Orchids in Italy encounters difficulties very different 
from those which present themselves in England, owing to the power 
of the sun’s rays, the heat, and the extreme dryness of the air, especially 
in summer. 
For these reasons plants must always be shielded from the direct 
rays of the sun, as if exposed to them the leaves get burned and fall, 
and if the stems are touched the plant is killed. Plants therefore which 
need exposure to sun to enable them to flower do not succeed so well. 
At the same time too much ventilation cannot be given, as the hot dry 
air is very injurious to the greater number of Orchids. In order to 
maintain sufficient moisture in the atmosphere frequent syringing between 
the pots is necessary, and abundant sluicing of the pathways, especially 
in summer. At thé same time it does not do to over-water the pots 
themselves, which causes the roots to rot. 
To protect the plants as much as possible from being scorched, 
while giving them as much light as possible, awnings are used made of 
fine reeds—not canes—these allow a half-sunlight to pass; and to keep 
the glass as cool as possible the awnings run on iron rods, raised a full 
foot from the glass, to allow acurrent of air to pass between them and 
the glass roof. This is found useful also in cold winter nights, as it 
creates an intermediate atmosphere and prevents the glass from being 
frozen. 
In order to give more moisture to the air and to provide water for 
the plants at the same temperature as the air, the whole basement of 
the houses consists of open tanks some six feet deep, supplied with rain- 
water from the roofs of the hot-houses and also from the villa. This 
ensures a constant and abundant supply of soft water during the whole 
year. In these tanks gold fish are kept, as it is supposed that fish assist 
in softening the water. The pathways rest on longitudinal iron girders, 
and are practically long bridges over the water supply beneath. 
Notwithstanding these adaptations many cool Orchids cannot be grown 
at all. Of Masdevallias only the Chimera group, M. elephanticeps, M. 
gemmata, and M. swertiefolia, thrive. Many Odontoglossums and 
Oncidiums are almost hopeless, Oncidum macranthum especially. Odonto- 
glossum crispum can be grown and flowered, but the pseudobulbs never 
reach the size attained north of the Alps, nor are the spikes so fine. 
The same may be said of O. Pescatorei, though it does better than 
O. crispum. 
Hot-house plants do well, especially Phalznopses, Aerides, Saccolabiums, 
Vandas, &c., as in general also Cattleyas, Lelias, and most intermediate 
