ORCHIDS FOR BEGINNERS 323 



the desirability of procuring imported plants. One could quote several 

 instances in which the buyer of a single plant, for the modest outlay of 

 less than half a crown, has obtained a form of great value. The im- 

 portations of this species generally arrive in the early spring. 



Other species such as C. villosum and C. Boxallii require a liberal 

 supply of moisture throughout the year, but during the months from 

 March to October an abundance of moisture also at the roots. They 

 may in each case be kept a little drier at the roots for a few weeks after 

 the flowers have been removed. The repotting of the cool section should 

 be done in early spring. 



Propagation. The best way to increase the stock is by division. 

 If three or more growths, with foliage, are formed successively on the 

 rhizome, the two front ones may be parted by carefully cutting through 

 the rhizome between the second and third ; carefully remove these 

 with as much root as possible, leaving the old growth untouched. 

 These back growths generally break freely, and in a short time make 

 good plants. The part removed may be potted up in the usual way. 

 The best period at which to divide Cypripediums is when the new roots 

 are being emitted from the base of the young or last-made growth. 

 When divisions are made of plants in this condition, with due en- 

 couragement, they quickly re-establish themselves in their new quarters. 

 Freshly potted plants, especially where divisions have been made, should 

 be carefully shaded from the direct rays of the sun. 



Dendrobium. Some of the species of the deciduous section, such 

 as D. nobile and its allied species and varieties, will thrive at the warm 

 end of the intermediate-house ; but the majority are happier in a hot- 

 house. They are not recommended for cool treatment. D. infundi- 

 bulum and its allied form D. jamesianum succeed grown with the Odonto- 

 glossums in the cool-house. D. japonicum may also be grown here during 

 the summer months, but the temperature of the cool intermediate-house is 

 more suitable. The pots should be well drained and the potting com- 

 post consist of chopped sphagnum moss and a little fibrous peat. Water 

 freely during the growing season, very little indeed being required after 

 the growths have reached maturity. 



isa grandiflora. This is one of the finest of cool-house Orchids. 

 It is a native of the Table Mountain of the Cape, and during the growing 

 season requires a free circulation of air at all times. It should be fre- 

 quently syringed whenever the outside conditions are favourable. The 

 potting compost will also require to be kept moist, especially after the 

 flower spikes commence to develop. They will require a continuation 

 of liberal treatment until the flowers have been removed, after which 

 period only sufficient moisture will be required to keep the tubers plump. 

 Repotting should be carried out in the early spring, using ample drainage 

 and a compost of equal portions of peat and chopped sphagnum, adding 

 a liberal sprinkling of rough sand and pressing the compost moderately 

 firm. They do well in a cold frame, where they must be kept shaded 

 during the summer months and be protected from frost in winter. This 

 is by far the finest species of the South African Orchids. Several hybrids 



