MAXILLARIA, ETC. 37 



fore the roots of the plant can occupy the whole 

 of the pot and absorb the moisture given to 

 them ; besides, nothing looks more unsightly 

 than a small plant in a large pot. When potting 

 commences, the plant should have plenty of 

 drainage, to allow a free supply of water ; and 

 the compost for them should consist of chopped 

 sphagnum, turfy peat, and a few potsherds, mixed 

 together; the latter will secure a better and 

 quicker drainage through the soil from the plant. 

 When potted they should be at an elevation of 

 at least two inches in the centre above the pot ; 

 the outside of these should also have a layer of 

 pieces of turfy peat, to keep the other mould 

 from falling off by the watering. There are some 

 of the smaller divisions of Maxillaria which will 

 succeed equally as well, if not better, on blocks of 

 wood covered \A\h moss ; but all these operations 

 should be done when the plants are beginning to 

 grow. They will require a gentle w^atering at first, 

 increasing as the plant becomes stronger in its 

 growth ; a little water and often is better than 

 going to extremes; by the first the mould is always 

 kept moist, and not too wet, but in the latter case 

 it is dry one time, and saturated another ; the 

 death of the plant frequently resulting. During 

 their season of growth they will require a tem- 

 perature varying from 65" to 75°, and a gentle 

 syringing as soon as they have begun to form 



