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Masdevalia Harryana caerulescens, our present subject, was forwarded to us by 
R. P. Percival, Esq., of Southport, who is forming what will in time doubtless become 
one of the best collections of these plants in the North of England. Whatever 
Mr. Percival takes in hand he carries out thoroughly, and this has led him to 
build separate houses to suit the different classes of Orchids. Now as Masdevallias 
prefer cool treatment they are best kept in a house by themselves: they require 
but a small one, as they take up very little room; indeed they will thrive well 
enough in the Odontoglossum house, for if their few wants are attended to, there 
are no freer growing plants in cultivation. They increase very fast under good 
treatment; and soon repay all the care which is bestowed upon them. They last a 
long time in beauty and make grand exhibition plants, producing also, when in 
bloom, a charming effect in the houses if intermixed with the various Odontoglots 
and other cool Orchids. There are so many varieties that some of them will always 
be in flower, but the best time to see them is from May to July. They are so 
accommodating to the grower that many wonderful specimens have been produced 
and exhibited during the last few years. When a plant is found to be too large it 
may be divided, and the divided portions will go on inereasing. 
We have found good fibrous peat and sphagnum moss to suit well as material 
for the potting of these plants. They thrive best in small pots. The roots should 
not be disturbed too often ; when, however, they require fresh material to root in, 
it must be given them, as they are free rooting plants and prefer to have sweet 
wholesome soil about them. They must also have good drainage, for they need an 
abundant supply of water, and by giving them efficient drainage the water passes 
off quickly without doing any harm, which it would do if allowed to become stagnant 
about them. The plants should be placed near the light but so as to avoid the 
sun's rays. A north house suits them best, as it shields them in summer from the 
heat of the day, which they do not like, in fact, they should be kept as cool o 
possible at all times, very little fire-heat being required in winter, and none during 
the summer. They like fresh air, but in winter cold draughts must be avoided, 
We find that they will thrive in a heat of from 45° to 50°: even somewhat Jess 
would suffice, but the temperature here named is the most suitable. Anyone, there- 
fore, who possesses a small low house could grow them at a trifling expense. 
They are easily propagated by dividing the tufts, leaving about three old were 
and a leading growth associated. The best time for the division to be effec 
just as they are beginning to grow. They should be placed in small pots until 
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‘they are established, when they should be removed to larger ones. 
: Insects should be annihilated as soon as they put in an appearance. The ‘ae 
is their greatest pest. Cool Orchids, as a rule, are also subject to the ween 
small kind of snail, that increases very rapidly, if not kept under by © én 
watching night and morning. A few lettuce leaves placed in different parts 0 ie 
house, or; potatos or turnips cut in half and scdoped out in the centre, form g 2 
traps for them, and by looking these over frequently many of them may be caug 
as also by moving the plants, as they are apt to harbour about the pots. | 
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