with sphagnum moss, and suspended from lite roof of the house; but when grown in this way they require 

 more care with regard to moisture, for the roots become dry mncli sooner. Indeed, in summer such plains 

 require watering twice a day with a syringe* or. what i* better, they may he taken down ami dip|>cd in water. 

 which is tlic most cffechial plan of soaking the material abont the roots. In the winter they must have 

 just enough water to keep them a little damp, because, if they are allowed to become shrivelled, it takes a 

 long time to bring them bark again to a healthy condition. 



These plants are propagated by dividing the rhizome at the base of the stein, so as to separate the 

 older parts, either after they have done flowering, or just an they begin to grow, or even when they are 

 at rest. The best way is to cut them at first partly through with a sharp knife, and lo leave them for 

 n time; then afterwards to cut them quite through. The divisions should be allowed to 'break* or pro* 

 duco young shoots before they are separated, as they will make their growth stronger if left till after (hi* 

 is perfected, and may then be more safely serrated the following year. In cutting through the rhizome or 

 horizontal portion, it is very important not to break or injure the roots; and, if possible, two or three of the 

 old bulbs should be left at the back of the young ones, the new growth then being stronger, from having thy 

 old bulbs, aa it were, to feed on. There is one point to be attended to in particular, mid that is, never to 

 allow the plants to shrivel after being separated, for if this happens it is more than likely they will not 

 flourish, or if they do succeed, it will be a long time before they make healthy plants. We have often seen 

 plants cut through with little rococo, l>ecausc neglected afterwards. They must have proper treatment* 

 and like all other plants require care at such a critical juncture, when the source of their nourishment has 

 been in great measure cut off. If they have this core, they will seldom be lost. The most essential 

 point is to keep them moist, and in a shady part of the house, so that they do not shrivel ; and they must 

 be watered at the roots, and over their leaves to keep them in a healthy growing state. Of course each of 

 the divided parts must have roots attached. The best time for performing the operation is just as the 

 plants begin to grow, which is also the time they begin to root, When they arc separated, they are not to 

 he put in loo large pots, for that is vciy dangerous; they require but little room for their roots, but they 

 must have a soil of sweet fibry peal and good drainage, in order that the water applied may pass off quickly. 

 In well-drained open material such as this the plants will root more fwely, and not he so likely to rot, 

 which they often do when the soil is too close. If the divided pieces arc small, they will be belter placed on 

 blocks, with sphagnum moss, and hung up in a warm shady port of the house, being always kept moist till 

 they get well established. 



The Cattleyas should be kept free from insects, to whose attacks they are very subject unless constantly 

 watched. The white scale is one of the most troublesome of these pfeb. It should be kept under by 

 washing the plants with a S|*>ngc and clean water, which latter should he of the same temperature as that 

 of the house. The plants must never be suffered to get foul before they arc cleaned, for if so they will 

 not remain in a healthy condition, hut ihc leaves will become yellow, and the beauty of the plant will 

 be spoiled. A healthy condition of the foliage is one of the great elements of their beauty, whilst a sickly 

 aspect once brought on by neglect, is not to be got rid of for a long time. Another mischievous pest is the 

 cockroach, which cats the young roots of this and other Orchids. It must he got rid of at any rate, and 

 one of the best agents to effect this object is Chase's Bccllc 1'oison, which is to he laid about for the insects 

 to feed on. 





■VHMH^^^^nPPB 



