24 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
treatment ; living, as it were, upon themselves. When this extraordinary 
vigour is observed, the beginner may be excused for coming to the conclu- 
sion that so much talk about air, light, etc., is of little moment, though 
sooner or later comes the time of reckoning. The plants having used up 
their native stamina, with no opportunity to replenish it, fall into failing 
health, and are of but little further service. The grower then may say that 
Orchids deteriorate under cultivation, and discontinue to grow them, 
thinking, of course, that no fault could be attributed to the conditions, 
because once they grew so well. It is well known, however, that but 
few Orchids deteriorate under favourable conditions. 
LiGHT is an important factor. A plant well exposed when it is making 
growth will not become drawn and make weak pseudobulbs. On the con- 
trary, it will be sturdy and robust, of about the same proportions as growth 
formed in its native habitat. Often it has a rich ruddy colour, which 
is health plainly written. Having thus brought the growth to perfection, 
let us not suppose our duties end here, and allow any position to do for the 
plant during the dark days of winter. One position may give enough 
light during summer but insufficient during winter, in which case the 
plant loses the vitality it has acquired, to regain which a considerable time 
is occupied during the following spring before the plant can assume its 
natural functions, which often makes it late in the autumn before growth 
is completed. Light is of equal importance during rest as when the plant 
is in active growth. In contemplating the building of new Orchid houses, 
let light and simplicity of structure be the object in view; while those who 
grow Orchids in houses built at a period when the value of light was not so 
well known, should endeavour to rectify the evil by raising the stages during 
the winter, or resorting to any method which best presents itself to them, 
so that the plants may get the full benefit of the light. 
Arr is another valuable agent, which all good. growers allow to assist 
them in every possible manner. The value of air to build up strong consti- 
tutions in the plants cannot be over-estimated. Any reflection as to the 
best means to procure a circulation of pure fresh air, or work expended 
thereon, amply repays the cultivator. The application of air, however, 
depends not so much upon whether the ventilators are on the most scientific 
principles, or those of a more remote pattern, for their aim and object may 
easily be defeated if managed by incompetent hands, without thought or 
system. Inefficient ventilation is often one of the greatest difficulties an 
Orchid grower has to contend against when leaving his plants for a period 
to those under him. The facts to bear in mind are, that a continual circula- 
tion of fresh air both day and night is advisable; that rarely two successive 
days admit of its being applied in the same manner; that cold direct 
draughts must be avoided; and that the atmosphere must remain moist and 
genial. With simple intelligence, a method is soon hit upon, and it is 
