THE FLOKAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
133 
TREATMENT OF ORCHIDS. 
W that the nature and the habits of Orchidaceous plants 
are better known than they were some few years ago, 
we have become acquainted with the conditions of their 
growth in the countries where they are indigenous. 
Here they are exposed to a dry season, during which 
they are at rest ; and to a rainy season, when the heat is higher, and 
the air moist nearly to saturation. And to grow orchids in any 
perfection, their native climate must, to a certain extent, be imi- 
tated, viz., they must have a period of rest in a dry and compara- 
tively cool atmosphere, and during their growth and flowering they 
should be exposed to a high moist atmosphere ; but as they princi- 
pally grow on the trunks and branches of trees, it is important that 
they should be exposed to a free current of air, and also to the light. 
This is essentia], except in some few r species, to prevent the plants 
being exposed to the direct action of the sun’s ravs, which is apt to 
scorch the leaves. The great heat and moisture is only necessary 
during the time the plants are in vigorous growth, and this period 
should be during spring and summer, the best periods of rest being 
from 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 stop growing, to some 
extent, all the year round. And again, even of those which do go 
to rest periodically, on the completion of their growth, it does not 
always happen that the time of rest corresponds with that time at 
which the largest numbers go to rest. 
When the growing season commences, raise the temperature of 
the East India house to 6-5° 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 permitted 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 house 
should be 60° by night, and from G5 Q to 70° by day ; and as the 
days lengthen, so the temperature may be allowed to increase, and 
during the months of May, June, July, and August, the night heat 
may range from 65 Q 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 th 
air, so that wherever any plants are growing, the atmosphere should 
be well supplied with moisture. This is obtained by pouring water 
over the tables, walls, and paths of the house every morning and 
afternoon, and by keeping the hot-water tanks full, which will cause 
a nice gentle steam to rise, wlych is of especial value whilst the 
plants are in a vigorous state of growth, especially as regards the 
May. 
