152 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ July, 
sprinkling of silver-sand. Some growers advocate the use of peat for this plant, 
but it is not at all essential to success. When potted, return the plants to a 
similar temperature, so that they receive no check; syringe twice daily during 
bright weather, and slightly shade when necessary. The shoots must from time 
to time be pinched back, in order to form bushy plants. In June they may be 
removed to a cold frame, standing the pots on ashes. Here they should be shut 
up early, so as to utilise sun-heat, and it will be necessary to continue syringing 
to keep down red-spider. Before the roots become matted, shift into pots of the 
size known as 48’s, a very useful size for them to flower in. Towards the end 
of September they should be introduced into a temperature of 55°, or 60° by 
night; keep them close to the glass, to prevent them from becoming drawn. They 
will soon come into flower, if pinching is discontinued, and will make the con¬ 
servatory gay for some time.— George Potts, Jun., Sundridge Park. 
COOL OKCHID CULTUKE. 
'IME was when Orchids were the exclusive property of the wealthy of our 
P land, and the prices at which they were sold, and the heat which it was con¬ 
sidered necessary to provide for them, rendered them obtainable only by 
the privileged few. Thanks, however, to the indefatigable exertions of some 
of our earliest growers, and of the Eoyal Horticultural Society, followed by our 
leading nurserymen, in sending out collectors to search out their native habitats, 
and send them home in quantities, we have now these beautiful plants placed 
within the reach of all who find pleasure in growing them, their prices now 
being brought to the level of those of ordinary stove and greenhouse plants. 
They are admitted on all hands to bear the most beautiful of flowers, and 
to possess in them by far the most lasting properties, many of them remaining 
in full beauty for six or eight weeks. They also emit or breathe the most deli¬ 
cate and beautiful perfume, and they may with care be kept in a room for a con¬ 
siderable period without injury. These are properties of no mean order, and 
should recommend them for general cultivation. 
My remarks will be confined to cool orchids, generally those that require 
little more than greenhouse temperature for their successful culture, heat being 
only necessary during cold or damp weather, and in winter. As soon as a night 
temperature of from 50° to 55° can be kept up by early closing, the house-fires 
may be dispensed with altogether, and the plants will generally thrive better 
after this period than before. 
The most convenient structure for the growth 'of cool orchids is 
a small span-roofed house, about 8 ft. high in the centre, and 4 ft. 9 in. at the 
sides,—viz., 3-ft. wall and 1-ft. 9-in. front sash and plates; 12 ft. wide, 
ha^dng a 3-ft. walk down the centre, and a shelf nearly 4 ft. wide o)i either side; 
two 4-in. pipes under the shelves on both sides will be quite sufficient to supply 
the necessary warmth. Ventilation should be supplied bv means of shutters in 
the wall opposite the pipes, and also in the centre of the roof. I would prefer 
