■HHH 



coolest cml uf lite house; but it is to lie borne in mind ifiat the bulbs must never be allowed to shrivel, for if 

 they do so, there is danger of the plant getting into an unhealthy condition. We have often seen Caftlcva* 

 get into a bad state through such treatment It must be remembered, that although these plants arc found 

 growing on trees and rocks, and have to endure through a tin* as well as a wet season, yet there arc hcavv 

 dews night and morning, which greatly assist in nourishing the plants and in keeping the bulb- plump. So 

 that, io have Ihe plants in a healthy state, a Utile water should be given at the roots, just enough to keep the 

 bulbs and loaves in vigorous condition. 



When the buds at ihe bottom of the old stems begin to swell, a little more water may be allowed, to 

 facilitate their growth, and they should be placed at the warmest end of the " Mexican house." When the 

 growth has reached two or three inches in height* an increased supply may be given, but the water must not 

 bo suffered to lodge on the young growths, as this causes much harm. Wc have often seen die young shook 

 rotted by thus giving too much moisture. Gattkyas do not require so much water as is sometimes given by 

 cultivators. Our practice is only to give enough to keep the peat moist, when they are in vigorous growth. 

 If grown on blocks, they will require water every day in spring and summer, but in winter less will suffice. 



During the season of growth, the lemi>cniturc should be the same as that recommended for Catthga 

 amtt&ystoglotsa (sec Plate It.). If the plant 1« cultivated in a pot with [>cnt, it must have good drainage; 

 and tliis is secured by filling up the pot nearly to the run with potsherds, and over these sphagnum moss, the 

 top being filled up with good fibrous peat intermixed with broken crocks, to keep the mass porous. The plant 

 is to be set two inches above the rim of the poi> and pegged firmly on to the peat, by which means it will 

 mot more freely. Aficr potting, give a little water with a fine-rose pot, but always be careful to let the 

 water be of the same temperature as that of the house. 



These plants arc propagated by dividing the rhizome at the bast of the stem. This is best done just as 

 they arc starling into growth, or when they arc at rest. The piece that b cut off is better left otherwise 

 undisturbed till the following year, and may then be removal and polled in the material recommended 

 above, the rhizome being kept above the peat. 



Cleanliness is an essential condition of good cultivation. The plants are subject to the white scale 

 which may however be easily kept under, by washing the leaves and stems with a sponge and clean water. 

 It must be borne in mind, that the leaves should not 1« nibbed when they are in a shrivelled condition, for 

 they would become bruised and would not recover, but always look unhealthy. 



