WATEE. 



3 



every morning and afternoon ; and by keeping the hot- 

 water tanks full, this will cause a nice gentle steam to rise, 

 which is of great value whilst the plants are in a vigor- 

 ous state of growth, especially as regards the East Indian 

 Orchids, such as Aerides, Saccolahiiuns, Vandas, Phalce- 

 nopsis, Dendrohiwns, and many others requiring a high 

 temperature, with a considerable degree of moisture. The 

 Mexican Orchids, most of which come from a cooler climate, 

 not so saturated with water, of course require less heat and 

 moisture, but these should have a considerable degree of 

 warmth during their growing season. 



Water. 



This should be administered with great care, especially 

 in the case of plants just starting into growth, as, if 

 watered too profusely, the young shoots are apt to be 

 affected by the moisture of the house, and liable to what is 

 termed damping off; whilst, therefore, the shoots are 

 young, only enough of water should be given to keep moist 

 the peat in which the plants are grown. As they ad- 

 vance in growth, more may be given ; and when the pseudo- 

 bulbs are about half grown, they may have a good supply 

 at the roots. My practice is to shut up the house in the 

 spring of the year about three o'clock ; and in May, June, 

 July, August, and September, I shut it up about an hour 

 later, when the heat of the sun is on the decline. I then 

 usually give a gentle syringing with water, as nearly as may 

 be of the same temperature as that of the house. In fine 

 weather, the temperature from sun heat will increase fre- 

 quently as high as 95°, or even more ; but I have never 

 experienced any injury from this, so long as the house was 

 saturated with moisture, in which case there is no fear of 

 any injury to the plants. The house should be dried up 

 once a-day, if possible, by means of ventilation. In 



