be well drained; the soil should consist of fibrous peat and sphagnum moss. 
in about equal parts, and this should be pressed down firmly. Nearly all the 
Odontoglossums require a fair supply of water during active growth, but it should 
pass quickly away from the roots, and not be allowed to lie round about their 
roots and become stagnant. In the resting season, if they really have any season 
of active rest, the roots must be kept in a moist condition, for in their native 
country they are subject to heavy rains at this season, and at this time they bring 
forth their flowers and commence their new growth, and when the blooms are over 
and the rains cease they enter upon a cooler season, subjected to heavy dews. 
These plants when under cultivation are benefited by cow manure, and we apply 
it in a weak state diluted with water, pouring it beneath the stages in the 
evening; this we find helps them very much in the development of bulbs and 
leaves, and tends to give a colour to both. Another great factor necessary to 
produce sturdy plants, is full exposure to light. We have found that Odonto- 
glossums like all the light it is possible for us to give them, but they do not 
like the strong sunshine; little, however, serves to make them more robust and 
ripens up the bulbs, and well-ripened bulbs flower better and withstand our dull 
winter months far better than miniature sappy growth. The house in which these 
plants are grown should be kept clean and smart, as this displays the full beauties. 
of the plants, and they have a far better appearance than plants present when 
kept in a slovenly, ill-cleansed Orchid house. 
3 
