1871 . ] 
GARDEN NOTES FOR JANUARY. 
17 
the atmospheric and other conditions suitable to Odontoglossum being precisely 
those required by the great majority of them. 
I may here remark that the equable and thoroughly enjoyable temperature 
of the cool house is a boon to many who cannot endure the oppressive heat of 
the East India house. 
There has been much misconception as to the meaning of cool treatment, many 
growers having gone to the extreme, and this has caused the loss of hundreds of 
valuable plants. They should be kept comfortable; the thermometer should 
never indicate less than 45° during the winter, neither should they be allowed to 
become so thoroughly dry as some recommend. The principal points to be 
attended to are to keep a comparatively close atmosphere ; to secure good ventila¬ 
tion, but avoiding all draughts ; to apply plenty of moisture on all evaporating 
surfaces, especially in the growing season; to use the syringe frequently, except in 
the short dull days ; and to permit only the use of tepid water. 
Cool orchids, like all others, like plenty of light, but little sun, except in win¬ 
ter, say, from the beginning of November to the end of February, when the tem¬ 
perature must be gradually increased with the lengthening days and increase of 
light; for their winter must not be too much prolonged, and they require a cer¬ 
tain amount of heat to enable them to perfect their growth, and accumulate 
sufficient strength to produce their blossoms. To give an idea of the conditions 
which answer so well here, I may state that a fine specimen of Trichomanes 
speciosum , three feet in diameter, and in the greatest luxuriance, is growing fully 
exposed in the same house. 
As to potting, I need say but little, as that is better understood than the 
general treatment. I find nothing better than good fibrous peat, with the earthy 
portion removed, and the addition of a little silver sand, and plenty of drainage. 
Cool orchids have a great advantage in requiring the minimum of labour. 
Scale is almost unknown among them, there not being heat enough for their 
increase; and an occasional fumigating will keep down the fly. There is 
less labour bestowed on the cool house here, than on any house for any purpose 
I have ever had to do with.—J. W. Laurence, Farnham Castle. 
GARDEN NOTES FOR JANUARY. 
JANUARY is the real month of winter, as the temperature, in the average of 
years, then ranges lower than in any other month. Out-door operations 
0/ljy are generally at a standstill. Sometimes a few fine days occur during the 
month, and occasionally a week or more of open weather. Take advantage 
of the latter by vigorously prosecuting all digging, trenching, draining, and other 
preparation of the ground. If it be very cold and frosty, the time can be more 
beneficially employed in-doors. Protect all plants or crops that are liable to 
suffer from frost. When the ground is fit, sow some Peas and Beans of the 
earliest varieties on a warm, well-sheltered border. Towards the end of the 
