42 oechid-geowek's manual. 



back pseudobulbs, some four or five it may be, and cut the 

 rhizome in two between the bulbs, not otherwise disturbing it, 

 but allowing the bulbs to remain in the same place. The 

 best time to cut most Orchids is during their season of rest, 

 or just as they are beginning to grow. Any other Orchids 

 that have pseudobulbs may be treated in the same way, when 

 it becomes desirable to increase them, but it must be borne in 

 mind that no Orchid should be cut except when in vigorous 

 health, and not then except it is to produce back growth. The 

 resting season is best for performing the operation, as when 

 in vigorous growth they often produce the growths from the 

 same pseudobulb, and continue doing so year after year, thus 

 increasing in size rapidl}*, and in time making a fine 

 specimen. When this is the case, if it is required to increase 

 the stock of a particular plant, take off a piece just as it is 

 starting into growth. The plant taken off can be potted at 

 once, and placed in a shady place until it shows signs of 

 growth, Avhen it may be brought to the light. Many Orchids 

 do not like to be disturbed, while there are those, some much 

 more so than others, which readily submit. 



WATERING ORCHIDS. 



HIS operation should be performed with great care, 

 especially in the case of plants just starting into 

 growth, for if watered too profusely the young 

 shoots are apt to be affected by the atmospheric moisture, 

 and become liable to what is termed damping off. Whilst, 

 therefore, the shoots are young, only enough water should be 

 given to keep the moss or peat in which the plants are 

 growing just moist. As they advance in growth, more may 



