
A scene of six and seven inch plants in one of Riverview's large houses, 
Each house contains 10,000 to 12,000 plants. 
We must again call to the attention of amateurs their 
most common error—overwatering the epiphytes, and especially the 
Cattleyas. These want spraying overhead each bright day, even 
two or three times in warm dry weather, but water on the compost 
should be applied only as indicated under the section devoted to 
Cattleyas. Give them a good drink about twice a week. Do not 
rest the plants in saucers, and if they are on a bench be sure there 
is a crack beneath them so that the surplus water will drain off. 
SHADING 
From early February to late October shading must be 
provided. Outside roller blinds are far superior to any other method 
for they may be left up on cloudy or dark days, or raised in the 
afternoon when the sun is low, and thus the plants benefit greatly 
from the increased light. They are also a protection against hail. 
However, satisfactory results can be obtained by shading with white 
lead and gasoline, which should be applied very lightly, just enough 
to exclude the direct rays of the sun. Cheesecloth stretched a few 
inches from the glass will provide a heavier degree of shading for 
those species which require it, such as Cypripediums. 
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