, if they are syringed frequently, assist
materially in preserving a healthy moisture in the house.

TEMPERATURE

One of the most important matters in Orchid cultivation is to see that a
lower temperature is maintained at night than in the day. Nothing is
more injurious to the plants than to be kept in a high temperature at
night, nor is anything more contrary to natural conditions. All who have
travelled in the countries from whence Orchids have been imported
testify to the great difference between the temperature during the day
and that experienced at night, the difference in some parts being that
between an excessively hot day and a chilly night and early morning.
These cool conditions at night are absolutely necessary for the
well-being of the plants, and in their absence the plants suffer as do
human beings during the progress of a heat-wave, which often kills many
people. Therefore it must be urged that at night the temperature must be
from 5 deg. to 10 deg. Fahrenheit lower than the day temperatures. This
condition is difficult to get during hot weather, but it is necessary.
Although a scale of temperatures throughout the year must not be taken
to mean that a little more heat may not be allowed occasionally--as, for
instance, by sun-heat, which is beneficial--nevertheless it is better to
have a scale to form a basis, and especially to emphasise the lower
temperature at night.

~Table of Temperatures for Orchid Houses~

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Months. | Warm House, | Cattleya or | Cool or |
| East Indian. | Intermediate House.| Odontoglossum House.|
-----------|---------------|--------------------|----------------------
| Day. | Night.| Day. | Night. | Day. | Night.
January | 65-70 | 60 | 60-65 | 55 | 50-55 | 45
February | 65-70 | 60 | 60-65 | 55 | 50-55 | 45
March | 65-70 | 60 | 60-65 | 55 | 55-60 | 50
April | 65-70 | 60 | 60-65 | 55 | 55-60 | 50
May | 70-75 | 65 | 65-70 | 60 | 60-65 | 55
June | 75-80 | 65 | 70-75 | 60 | 60-65 | 55
July | 75-85 | 65 | 70-80 | 65 | 60-70 | 55
August | 75-85 | 65 | 70-80 | 65 | 60-70 | 55
September | 75-80 | 65 | 70-75 | 60 | 60-65 | 55
October | 70-75 | 65 | 65-70 | 60