550 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ December 27, 1883. 
bulb thermometers in vacuo, the author has made a comparison with 
a number of these thermometers, the results of which are given in th e 
paper. It is shown distinctly that the effect of an increased coating 
of lamp-black on the bulb is to raise the temperature, and also that 
the size of the thermometer bulb is a mo3t important factor in the 
case of this instrument. 3, “Report on the Phenological Observations 
for 1883,” by the Rev. T. A. Preston, M.A., F.R.Met.Soc. Mr. J. S. 
Dyason, F.R.Met.Soc., exhibited a series of coloured sketches illustrating 
the recent atmospheric phenomena during November and December. 
ORCHIDS OUT OF DOORS. 
Attention has been very properly called to recent experiments in 
growing Orchids out of doors, and the subject is an important one in 
several respects. It is not likely that the ordinary exotic Orchids will 
ever be of any decorative value in such positions, but the outdoor treat¬ 
ment is likely to prove beneficial in another way, especially with regard 
to some of stronger and more robust species. If the growth can be 
better ripened by this practice—and there is every probability that in 
suitable situations and with ordinary care that will prove to be the case— 
an advantage will undoubtedly be gained in the resulting finer, more 
lasting, and more highly coloured flowers. Experiments similar to those 
described at Mr. Smee’s garden have been tried in various gardens for 
many years, and Mr. Burbidge has recorded (in “ Cool Orchids,” page 4) 
some extensive trials instituted as long ago as 1852 by M. Francois 
Josst, gardener to Count Thun Hohenstein, at Tetschen, in Bohemia. 
These are so interesting that they are well worth being reproduced at 
the present time. 
“In 1852 I observed that some of the species did not flower well; 
and it then occurred to me to place them in the open air in the early 
part of July. The plants which I put out were Brassavola glauca, 
Cymbidium marginatum, Cypripedium insigne, Dendrobium Pringianum, 
D. speciosum, and Lycaste Skinneri. They grew perfectly, although in 
the morning the temperature was sometimes as low as 5° Reaumur 
(43° Fain - .). In the daytime the heat in the shade was often as high as 
30° Reaumur (99|° Fahr.). Tetschen is subject to frequent changes of 
temperature; it is surrounded by mountains, and is in a valley along 
which the Elbe flows after receiving all the waters of Bohemia. I took 
the plants in at the end of August. After a short time flower buds made 
their appearance, and a little while afterwards flowers followed in per¬ 
fection. This good result led me to try the same experiment again on 
a larger scale ; and I have since repeated it every year, until I am now in 
the habit of putting seventy-five species or varieties out into the air for 
three months in the year—viz., June, July, and August. What I do is 
this : I select a half-shady place, where I put some trunks of trees (Oaks), 
on which I place my baskets of Orchids. Between the trunks I jilant 
Ferns, some Philodendron pertusum, Tradescantia zebrina and viridis, 
and Cissus marmorea, so as to produce a pretty effect. In order to 
protect the plants against the scorching rays of the sun and very heavy 
rains I cover the spot with canvas, but I endeavour to avoid too much 
shade, for I find that plants which are shaded too much never flower so 
well as others. I water in the ordinary way employed in hothouses. 
This year the temperature has several times fallen as low as 4° Reaumur 
(41° Fahr.), but the plants have not suffered in the least; they are even 
more vigorous, several of them actually flowered. These facts prove 
that many gardeners keep their Orchids and other exotics too hot. All 
plants require some period of rest in order to vegetate well. 
“ The following is a list of the Orchids which I treated in the way 
above described :—Barkeria spectabilis, Brassavola glauca, Calanthe 
striata, Cattleya citrina, Ccelia macrostachya, Cypripedium insigne, 
C. insigne var. parviflorum, Dendrobium calamiforme, D. Jenkinsii, D. 
Pringianum, D. speciosum, Epidendrum Candollei, E. cochleatum, E. 
diffusum, E. falcatum, E. radiatum, E. selligerum, E. Skinneri, E. Stam- 
fordianum, E. varicosum, E. virgatum, E. vitellinum, Gongora galeata, 
G. Batemani, G. luteola, Ladia acuminata, L. albida, L. anceps, L. anceps 
var. Barkeriana, L. anceps var. superba, L. autumnalis, L. Candida, 
L. furfuracea, L. Galeottiana, Lycaste majalis, L. rubescens, L. super- 
biens, L. violacea, L. aromatica, L. Colleyi, L. consobrina, L. cruenta, 
L. Skinneri, L. Skinneri var. alba, L. Skinneri var. latimaeulata, L. 
Skinneri var. leucochila, L. Skinneri var. picta, Maxillaria cucullata, 
M. tenuifolia, Odontoglossum bictoniense, 0. citrosmum, O. Cervantesii, 
0. grande, 0. Insleayii, 0. heve, 0. nebulosum, 0. pulchellum, 0. pul- 
chellum var. grandiflorum, Oncidium bicallosum, 0. filipes, 0. leuco- 
chilum, 0. microchilum, 0. sphacelatum, O. suave, Sobralia decora, 
S. dichotoma, S. Liliastrum, S. macrantha, S. violacea, Stanhopea 
connata, Trichopilia tortilis, T. tortilis var. pallida.” 
Orchid growers would do well to follow up these experiments, as it 
has already been proved that many species will succeed in a much lower 
temperature than was originally supposed to be necessary. When 
Orchids first began to attract attention it was a general idea that they 
must be placed in a highly heated house, which was frequently kept too 
dry, and in consequence scores of plants were killed, and it was only by 
degrees that growers became aware of the fact that Orchids could be 
more successfully cultivated in a moderate temperature with more liberal 
supplies of water. Still further experience has proved that numbers 
grow and flower most freely in a cool house, which has now become one 
of the most important departments in large collections of Orchids, and 
is continually attracting more attention, as in it we obtain diversity of 
richly and delicately coloured flowers, without the disadvantage of being 
nearly roasted in inspecting their beauties. It was but one step from 
this to the cold frame, and now it is probable that we shall soon hear of 
Orchids being out of doors in many large establishments. But let me 
give a word of warning to those who may be desirous of testing these 
matters for themselves. Do not be too hasty in exposing any valuable 
or delicate plants to the uncertainty of an English climate even in 
summer. If the garden is not fairly sheltered and in a moist situation 
do not attempt anything on a large scale, but submit a few of the com¬ 
paratively worthless varieties to the test at first, and be guided by then- 
condition as to future trials. There are, however, many gardens, 
especially in the south and west of England, where almost any Orchids 
could be safely placed out of doors for at least three months in the year 
—namely, from June till August.— Okchidist. 
TURNIPS. 
The above indispensable vegetable having been lately under dis¬ 
cussion in your columns, and thinking the time not inappropriate for 
a few remarks, I give my experience. Turnips to be grown well, like 
most other vegetables of kindred nature, require liberal treatment. In 
the first place the ground on which they are to be grown should be 
dug deeply and well, and if it is poor a good dressing of manure ought 
to be given. Previous to sowing the seed the ground should be well 
broken up with the fork. Choose a fine day for this operation and for 
sowing, as nothing is more detrimental and more disappointing than to 
sow seed when the ground is wet. It is simply courting failure. Far 
better defer the operation for a few days, or if needs be longer still, than 
to sow on a particular day or week whether the weather is suitable or 
not. Sow the seed thinly and not too deep in lines about 15 inches 
apart. Cover them lightly, and make the ground level with a large iron 
or wooden rake. When the young plants are sufficiently advanced in 
growth for thinning they should have immediate attention ; careless¬ 
ness in this respect often leads to failure. They should be thinned, to 
about 9 inches to 1 foot apart. Their after treatment consists in keeping 
down all weeds that may appear, which is readily done by running the 
hoe occasionally between the lines. This not only keeps down all weeds, 
but is very beneficial to the growth of the Turnips. 
As to varieties, I much prefer the three undermentioned—namely. 
Early Snowball, Orange Jelly, and Chirk Castle Black Stone. These 
I have grown each successive season for the last eight years, and have 
always found them do well, and, what is more, to give satisfaction in the 
kitchen department. They are sown in the order named. . I generally 
make a sowing of Snowball the first week in April, and in case they 
“bolt,” which those from the first sowing are apt to do, another sowing 
is made ten days later. Orange Jelly is sown in the latter part of . May, 
or at the latest the first week in June. Chirk Castle, than which, in my 
opinion, there is no better winter Turnip, is sown in the first week of 
July, and with the above treatment they make good serviceable Turnips, 
and stand the winter remarkably well.—J. Richardson. 
SIX MONTHS IN A VINERY. 
March 31st. —On the morning of the 25th the minimum 
thermometer outside registered 22^, and that on the grass .16°. 
It being bright the ventilators of the vinery were open d a little 
at 7-30 and closed at 1*30. On the 2Cth we had a change from 
frost to snow, the ground being covered in the morning at six 
o’clock, and snow was still falling. The lowest temperature 
during the night was 30’. The sky showed signs of clearing 
at 9 a.m., when two lights were slightly opened, but which we 
closed again at 12'30 on the approach of another snowstorm. 
On the 27th the frost had returned again, the thermometer 
registering 24° and 17° respectively. W”e gave a little air at 
8-0, reduced it at 9.30 on some clouds appearing, and closed 
finally at 11 a.m. 
On the 28th we had both frost and snow. The lowest tem¬ 
perature registered w r as 25°. The snow was an. inch deep at 
5-45 a.m., and was still falling heavily. By eight o’clock the sky 
cleared, and three lights were opened 2 inches each. Ventilation 
was reduced at one o’clock and taken off at two with a tempera¬ 
ture of 88°. This is the tenth day since the first flower opened 
and thinning is commenced. Some berries on the most forward 
bunch already measure three-sixteeDths of an inch in diameter.^ 
On the me rniug of the 29th the lowest temperature w r as 28 . 
We had very little sun, and the wind changed during the day to 
the south; no air was given. It became colder again at night, 
and before the morning of the 30th the minimum thermometer 
outside had registered 35°, but at 6 a.m. it had risen to 44 , and 
rain was falling heavily, which continued uninterruptedly till 
noon. There was some sun during the afternoon, and the air 
was warm and soft. It was not necessary to open our vinery, 
which, however, rose to the maximum temperature, and the 
inmates seemed to be enjoying it. The 31 st, however, brought 
us another slight frost, thermometer down 28°, but it rose to 51° 
at mid-day with a soft and balmy air. Two lights were opened 
an inch each at 8 a.m., and the temperature keeping up wel they 
were not closed till 3 p.m., when the mercury stood at 88 
