CATTLEYA. 113 



SO well as in pots. They require a good depth of drainage ; 

 so that the pots should be filled about half full of potsherds, 

 and these covered with a layer of moss, the remaining space 

 being filled up with peat, taking care always to have the plants 

 elevated above the rim. 



I gi'ow nearly all the Cattleyas in the Brazilian house, and 

 am accustomed to give them a good supply of heat, and not 

 too much water, while they are gi'owing. Water applied to 

 the roots once or twice a week will be sufficient for those in 

 most vigorous state of growth ; too much water is apt to cause 

 the bulbs to rot. So long as the soil remains moist, no water 

 is required ; and when the soil becomes dry, water should be 

 applied to the roots — not to the bulbs, as it is apt to injure 

 them greatly. When the plants have made their growth they 

 should be allowed to rest, and be kept rather dry, giving them 

 just water sufficient to prevent their shrivelling. 



A long season of rest is very advantageous to the plants, 

 causing them to flower more freely and grow more vigorously 

 afterwards. Those plants gi'owing on blocks will require a 

 good supply of water at their roots every day during summer, 

 and twice or three times a week in winter. 



Cattleyas require to be kept perfectly clean and free from 

 insects. They are subject to the white scale, which should 

 never be allowed to accumulate, as it is then difficult to 

 remove, and the plants are in danger of being injured. In 

 order to keep the plants free, they should be carefully looked 

 over every three or four weeks, and sponged with clean water 

 of the same temperature as that of the house. They are 

 propagated by dividing the plants. 



The following list comprises the most beautiful and valuable 

 species of this splendid genus ; and the collection in which 

 they are found will seldom if ever be without one or more of 

 the sorts in flower. 



