THE ORCHID REVIEW. 25 
usually done by well noting the outside conditions, and ventilating on the 
leeward side, the top or the bottom, or through the open doors, as may be 
most advisable. I would advise also that the air having been once admitted, 
should be allowed free circulation round the plants, which can be secured by 
having open wood-work stages, and these well up to the light. Any other 
air-obstructing obstacle in the way, other than closed stages with some 
moisture-retaining material on them, should be conspicuous by their 
absence. 
WaRMTH and MoIsTuRE, again, may be used and followed by good or 
bad results. If healthy Orchids are desired, not only should the thermo- 
meter indicate the right temperature within a degree or two, but, what is of 
equal importance, care should be taken to see that the atmosphere is of 
a genial nature, from which the plants can best draw support and thrive. 
A dry fiery heat is good to no plant, nor is that close, moist, mildew-pro- 
ducing warmth which can be had by keeping the ventilators closed in order 
to save fuel. With too great an amount of warmth and moisture fungoid 
growths in their many forms are produced, while, on the other hand, 
noxious insects and general debility follow in the train of the other extreme. 
Aim at the right temperature, and endeavour to maintain it evenly balanced 
with moisture and air. The winter, however, together with unsuitable 
houses, brings to many gardeners great difficulties, but difficulties must be 
surmounted, and where there’s a will there’s a way. 
In case of insufficient hot-water pipes, which require to be made 
very hot to keep up the temperature, a thick covering should be used 
outside on the roof of the house, so that less warmth in the pipes will 
suffice. I have occasionally left the house so covered a whole day in very 
tempestuous and cold weather, finding it better for the plants than to suffer 
from cold or excessive fire heat. It is best to have enough pipes, so that 
it is not necessary to make them too hot. 
A nice moist atmosphere is generated by placing over the hot-water 
pipes, and about six inches above them, a row of slates or tiles, on which 
is placed from time to time a few undecayed leaves, which, together with 
the floors and side walls, syringed once a day, will generally give off enough 
moisture for this time of year. 
The temperatures for this month should be as follows :—The Odonto- 
glossum house—Day, 50° to 58°, with sun; Night, 50°; Morning, 45°. The 
Cattleya, Intermediate, or Mexican houses—Day, 58° to 65°, with sun; 
Night, 58°; Morning, 53°. The warm or East Indian house—Day, 65° to 
70°, with sun; Night, 65°; Morning, 60°. 
Watering is an operation which must be done at all seasons with 
intelligence, and especially so at this time of the year.. Those plants which 
are resting should receive enough only to keep them healthy and from 
shrivelling, and those which are growing will require but little at this 
