THE ORCHID REVIEW. 249 
not only is there more light and air, but the night temperature is much 
cooler, and the atmosphere densely charged with moisture — keeping 
naturally damp as it were—which conditions are conducive to the well-being 
of these lovely Orchids. They may be grown in pots, which must be well 
drained, and sphagnum moss is the best material for the roots. They must 
be well shaded, but not be placed too far away from the glass roof, in order 
that the air may circulate freely round them. A liberal supply of water is 
needed during summer, but during winter much less will suffice, although 
they really have no resting season. When the growth is completed the 
flowers are produced, and then a new growth appears from the base, when 
the first sphagnum should be supplied to the roots. 
The inmates of the Mexican House will now be growing apace, and must 
have every encouragement. When air is reduced in the afternoon the 
plants may be well syringed overhead, thus preventing the sticking which 
is apt to occur, for the young growth and flower spike of the Mexican 
Lelias become so gummed together that the latter often go off. It is 
also a good plan during the hot days to water the plants in this house 
at night. 
As the power of the sun declines, less shading will be required on all the 
houses. Let the roller-blinds down later in the morning and remove the 
Same earlier in the afternoon, while the ends, sidelights, or any portion 
of the roof which has been permanently shaded with summer cloud, or 
whitening, should have a part washed away, so that the plants may not be 
in too much darkness. 
Rearing Orchids from seed is a delicate operation. Any seeds that 
germinate should be carefully transferred to the tiny pots (one inch) directly 
they are large enough, which is when they have made the first small leaf; if 
left longer in the seed-pan they are liable to disappear, while, on the other 
hand, if removed and placed on new sweet compost, a fresh impetus seems 
to be given to the little plants, and if carefully watered they will soon push 
out roots and become firmly established. When the seed is ripe it should 
be shaken on the surface of a plant where the compost is in a good state 
of preservation, and not too much growing sphagnum moss, or it is soon 
choked. If it means to grow it will show signs of doing so in a short time, 
but if there are no signs within six months it may generally be considered 
as useless. I have had the best results from seed sown on pans and baskets 
suspended near the roof glass ; rarely indeed have the seeds germinated when 
sown on pots standing on the side stages. Of course the raising of new 
hybrids is very interesting and exciting, but to be thoroughly successful is 
a work demanding a good deal of time and careful watching. -It is an easy 
matter to fertilise and produce the large seed pods, but it draws greatly 
from the sources of the plant, and the best and most valuable varieties 
to be thus prostrated without some reasonable chance of raising the. seed 
