﻿THE ORCHID REVIEW. 



direction mentioned a belt of shrubs will form a very useful screen. It should 

 also be in a fairly light position, because during the dull winter period the 

 plants should receive all the light possible, while the superabundance during 

 the summer can be cut off by the use of suitable shading. On other sides 

 the situation should be fairly open, and in such a quarter a span-roofed 

 house, running approximately north and south, will probably prove the 

 most satisfactory structure, as such a house affords the greatest variety of 

 situations for different kinds of Orchid. We may now say something about 

 their structure and internal arrangements. 



Orchids generally do best in moderately small houses, where the plants 

 can be brought well up to the light, ami brickwork should be utilised for 

 the sides as much as possible, as it affords better protection in cold weather 

 than glass. Houses with partially sunk pathways are often used with great 



Temperature.— Whatever the kind of house, the heating apparatus 

 should be adequate to maintain the required temperature without unduly 

 forcing the fires, and the piping should be ample. It is then not necessary 

 to keep the water at boiling point during cold weather, which would only 

 be injurious to the plants. 



Ventilation is a matter of great importance, as a stagnant atmosphere 

 is injurious, but the top ventilators should be used with caution, especially 

 during cold bright weather. The side ventilators should consist of shutters 

 in the walls, near the hot-water pipes, and those on the leeward side should 

 be opened a little whenever the outside temperature permits. 



Shading is absolutely necessary, and either lath-roller blinds or the 

 various kinds of canvas mounted on rollers may be used. The former 

 are the more durable, and may be let down on cold frosty nights as 

 an additional protection, thereby economising fire heat, and benefitting 

 the plants. Whitening painted on the glass is not recommended. 



Floors. — These are best constructed of gravel or some absorbent 

 material, with a trellis-work of wood to walk on. Or corrugated tiles may 

 be used for the pathway. Coke is an excellent material to place under 

 the pipes and stages, as it absorbs plenty of water, and gives a large 

 evaporating surface. Certain ferns and shade-loving foliage plants may be 

 grown under the stages with advantage to the Orchids. 



Staging of an open character should be provided so as to allow a free 

 circulation of air. A solid staging, placed at least a foot below the open 

 staging, and containing coke or fine gravel, is also very beneficial, as when 

 damped it gives off a constant supply of moisture. The stages should 

 bring the plants well up to the light, and a few wires should be placed on 

 the roof on either side of the pathway to suspend baskets from. Many 

 plants succeed best in such a position. 



