ORCHIDACEOUS HOUSE, 
445 
at p. 442, must be adhered to. Additional 
growth — to any extent at least — must be pre- 
vented, and the process of maturing the pre- 
vious growth assisted by a comparatively dry 
atmosphere and the diminished appliance of 
water. 
Temperature, tyc. — A maximum tempera- 
ture of 70 degs. by day, and 60 degs. by 
night, may be allowed ; but the temperature 
ought not to be permitted to fall below 60 
degs. by day, and 50 degs. by night ; the 
average mean between these points, or a little 
higher perhaps, will generally be sufficient. 
It is not desirable to decline from the summer 
temperature too rapidly; it should be done 
gradually, so that while the declension is going 
on, there may yet be heat enough to assist in 
maturing and ripening the growth of the 
plants. As regards ventilation, it may be 
taken as a rule that more or less fresh air 
should be admitted daily : whenever the inter- 
nal temperature is higher than the maximum 
point already named — as it will sometimes, 
perhaps often, be, from the influence of the 
sun— admit sufficient air to prevent its rising 
many degrees beyond that point ; on the other 
hand, if the temperature is low, and but little 
can be admitted, still admit that little, so that 
the temperature does not fall below the mini- 
mum. Shading may be altogether discon- 
tinued for the season. Moisture in the 
atmosphere must now be limited. 
Watering. — In watering the growing plants, 
bear in mind what has been already said on 
this subject; let it be applied in the morning; 
the torpid ones should get no water, and those 
which are partially so, very little indeed. 
Oleanders. — Another set of cuttings planted 
now, and managed as intimated at p. 406, will 
make nice small blooming plants by next 
autumn. 
Epiphyllum truncation. — Some plants of 
this very beautiful Cactus should be taken 
into heat now, to cause them to throw out 
their flower buds, which, when developed, 
make a fine display. The plants should be 
taken in in rotation, at short intervals, and 
will then furnish a succession of bloom. 
Winter Plants. — The plants of Aphelandra, 
Justicia, and others, provided for blooming in 
winter, must be looked to : if they are likely 
now to want larger pots, let them be repotted 
early in the month. Water them carefully — 
that is, do not apply too much ; and give them 
the advantage of a good situation. 
Schubertia graveolens, a handsome white- 
flowered climber, suitable for pots, should now 
be potted for winter flowering ; young, vigor- 
ous plants should be selected. 
Gloxinias, Gesneras, Achimenes, and 
similar plants, which are past the flowering 
state, should be brought to a state of repose 
by gradually withholding water. Achimenes 
and Gesneras may be dried off completely, 
and some persons treat Gloxinias in the same 
way; but it is generally thought better not to 
dry them completely. 
Clerodendrons, and other free -growing 
plants that have been in large pots, should be 
transferred to smaller ones, to stand the 
winter. 
Euphorbia, fulgens should be kept rather 
dry for a month or so, to accelerate its subse- 
quent flowering. 
ORCHIDACEOUS HOUSE. 
Many showy kinds will yet be in a bloom- 
ing state, so that the house will provide a 
scene of gaiety, now that other flowers are 
getting more rare than hitherto. The practice 
of removing plants that have completed their 
growth to a cooler and drier atmosphere, 
must be followed up as occasions offer. 
Temperature, Sfc. — Some decline must be 
observed in the temperature corresponding to 
the advance of the season. A mean heat of 
70 degs. by day, and 60 degs. at night, 
for the warmer house, and 5 or 8 degs. 
lower for the cool house, will be proper, 
allowing the decline of heat however to be 
gradual, — not sudden. Atmospheric moisture 
in the former case must be slightly, and in 
the latter materially, reduced. Very little 
ventilation is necessary for some months to 
come ; still when mild intervals occur, it may 
be well to admit a slight amount of fresh air. 
Shading may be entirely dispensed with for 
the season. 
Potting. — "Where any of the plants have 
lately gone out of bloom, they may be re- 
potted if necessary, or the material about 
their roots may be removed if they are in 
baskets or on blocks : if this is carefully done 
now, they will be ready to start into growth 
at the proper season. Such plants must be 
kept comparatively dry. 
Resting the Plants. — There is one point of 
treatment connected with the removal of the 
plants to a lower temperature (whether fresh 
potted or otherwise) that requires notice ; 
it is this : — if the soil, when they are so re- 
moved, is considerably charged with moisture, 
or is allowed either to become or remain so, 
while they are in this resting state, the pro- 
bable consequence is, that the plants, at least 
the roots, will rot off", and be destroyed. It 
is therefore necessary to see that the soil is 
comparatively — not excessively — dry, pre- 
viously to their being removed. This entirely 
obviates the evil in question. 
Growing Plants. — Any plants that may have 
commenced growing, should be kept in the 
most favourable positions as regards heat and 
light : it is also a good plan to look to top- 
