OcrozeR, 1909-] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 293 
other plants. Then their convenient size and accommodating character 
must be taken into account, as well as their moderate requirements in the 
way of potting and watering. And they are really very little trouble when 
once their requirements are properly understood and provided for. A 
suitable amount of light and warmth, with proper attention to the 
ventilation and to providing the necessary amount of humidity in the 
atmosphere, are among their chief requirements. 
THE ORcHID HousE.—Orchids are very various in their requirements, 
and it is no use attempting to grow them all in a single house, for either 
the warmer or cooler-growing kinds must suffer, and ultimately disappear. 
A single house should, if possible, be divided by a glass partition, so as to 
provide a warmer and a cooler half, which would increase the number of 
kinds that can be successfully grown, and if a third house or division can 
be provided, and the temperatures maintained as Warm, Cool and Inter- 
mediate, a quite representative collection can be grown successfully. An 
interesting article by Mr. T. Anstiss, on ‘“‘ How to Construct an Orchid 
House,” has just appeared in the Journal of Horticulture, which may be 
reproduced :— 
“Where new houses are required, or alterations are necessary, the 
present time is usually chosen for carrying out such work, and where they 
are intended for Orchid culture a few details may be useful, because however 
efficient the horticultural builder may be, it is almost impossible for him to 
be so well acquainted with the needs of the plants as the man in charge is. 
‘THE SITE.—We are often victims of circumstances, and cannot 
select an ideal spot ; but when possible the house or houses ought to be 
built in an open space, away from dwelling houses and the shade of trees; 
while about 18 ft. should be allowed between each structure if it is decided 
to build a range. An Orchid house is best running from north to south, 
and of the span-roof type. The lean-to, once so popular for cool Orchids, 
is now rejected by practical growers. For Cypripediums, Odontoglossums, 
and seedlings, a low house is recommended, say about oft. high in the centre, 
and 11 ft. wide, with the front lights 18in. in depth. These can either be 
fixed or be made to open; I prefer the latter; then if at any time one 
desires to substitute another class of plant no difficulty would be experienced 
in admitting air. 
““ VENTILATORS must be ample, both top and bottom, and the first- 
named are arranged in every third light to open from the inside, while the 
lower ones are made of wood, let into the brick wall in such a way that the 
current of air passes over the hot-water pipes before coming in contact with 
the inmates. They are placed on both sides of the house, and to prevent 
cats or vermin entering during the night, a piece of fine gauze may be nailed 
to the frame of the bottom ventilators. 
