PROPAGATION AND IMPREGNATION. 97 



This subject of fertilization and, by means of it, of pro- 

 pagation, has within the last few years attracted much at- 

 tention in Europe and much of interest has been written 

 on the subject, in view of which we may conclude that our 

 knowledge of Orchids and their peculiar adaptations is 

 yet most imperfect, and that the future may yield rich de- 

 velopments. 



There are many Orchids that will keep on growing year 

 after year and yet produce only one flowering bulb each 

 year ; but if the plants are cut they will produce back- 

 breaks, increasing and soon make fine specimens. Some 

 plants are easier to increase than others, of which Cat- 

 tleyas are an instance. 



When a plant has four back bulbs, cut the plant in two 

 between the bulbs, but do not disturb the plant ; let the 

 bulbs keep in the same place. The time of cutting and 

 after treatment should as nearly as possible be the same 

 as above recommended for propagation. The plant will 

 make new shoots and roots from the back part and soon 

 form a specimen. All Orchids having bulbs should be 

 treated in the same way if it is desirable to increase them. 

 7 



