The Culture of Greenhouse Orchids 



sometimes, for they grow very fast if comfortable. 

 In such cases the pot should be bound together 

 with string, so that it will not fly to pieces when 

 oroken. Then crack it with a hammer place it, 

 so shattered but not divided, in the larger pot, on a 

 bed of crocks, support it, lightly, with crocks all 

 round and lumps of peat, and cut the strings. 

 Thus the roots, unbroken, will gradually force out 

 the smashed sides to which they cling, and escape 

 through the interstices. Peat, turfy loam both 

 in large fragments moss, and sharp sand, are the 

 potting materials. But the prudent amateur will 

 never buy Cymbidiums unestablished, nor ever 

 repot them before it is urgent. Great judgment 

 is needed to start an imported plant. That work 

 is best left to professionals. The Belgian system 

 appears to be specially suited to these plants. 



Cymbidiums rank among the orchids which cer- 

 tainly benefit by manure. A weak solution of cow- 

 dung may be applied once a fortnight, or oftener 

 if the plant be growing strong ; but it must be 

 stopped, of course, as the resting-time approaches. 

 They will not bear to be dried at any season. 



Affine (the word means " akin " I do not under- 

 stand its significance here). Of good size, white, 

 the lip spotted with purple. Winter. Khasya 

 Hills, India. 10*. 6d. 



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