2 



ORCHIDS. 



about November till February ; and it is the long period of 

 rest which predisposes the plant to blossom. Of course, the 

 rules as to the periods of growth and rest can only be 

 stated in general terms. There are certain kinds which do 

 not entirely cease growing throughout the whole year. 

 And again, even of those which do go to rest periodically, on 

 the completion of their growth, it does not always happen 

 that their time of rest corresponds with that at which 

 the largest numbers go to rest. 



Directions for the period of Growth, 



When the growing season commences, raise the tem- 

 perature of the East India house, or house in which the 

 greatest heat is maintained, to 65° by night and 70° by 

 day ; by sun heat it may be allowed to range to 75°, 

 and as the days lengthen, so the temperature may be per- 

 mitted to increase ; and during the months of May, June, 

 July, and August, it should range from 70° to 75^ by 

 night, and from 75° to 80° by day, and. by sun heat to 85°, 

 or even 90° : this will not do any harm, provided the 

 plants are shaded from the direct rays of the sun. The 

 Mexican or cooler house should be 60° by night, and from 

 65° to 70° by day ; and as the days lengthen, so the tem- 

 perature may be allowed to increase ; and duiing the 

 months of May, June, July, and August, the night heat 

 may range from 65° to 70°, and by day from 70° to 85°. 

 Great attention should, at the same time, be paid to the 

 state of the atmosphere, as regards moisture ; at all times 

 of the year this is of much importance to the successful 

 growth of the plants, for they derive the greater part of 

 their subsistence from the moisture in the air, so that 

 wherever any plants are growing, the atmosphere should 

 be well supplied T\ith moisture : this is obtained by pour- 

 ing water over the tables, walls, and paths of the house 



