into the throat, and being as dark at the margin as at the base. It is a fine 
winter-blooming Cattleya, and lasts some time in bloom. 
This specimen has been grown on by Mr. Ballantine from a moderate-sized 
plant, and is now one of the most vigorous plants in the collection, and in perfect 
health. It is grown in a pot, under the same conditions as the other forms of 
the Triane section, that is to say, it is potted in rough fibrous peat with good 
drainage, and is grown in a light house where it receives the full benefit of the day 
light, with very little shade. A moderate supply of water is given during its period 
of vigorous growth, but Mr. Ballantine is very careful not to give too much water 
during its resting time, allowing it only just enough to keep the stems in a plump 
state. We have frequently observed that some growers give their plants far too 
much water; this may do no great harm at first, but in the end it will be found 
detrimental to their health, and they will tell the tale in time. Water may be 
distributed among the pots instead of being used to soak the material that is about 
the crown and roots. Nature seems to tell us they do not require excessive watering; 
for in their native country they reap the full benefit of the breezes, and these, which 
they do not get in our Orchid houses, help to evaporate and carry off much of the 
moisture caused by the rain. In our experience we have often seen collections thriving 
for a time under the influence of too much of some one good thing or other, and we 
have noticed growers getting excited if they see a plant growing vigorously through 
the influence of these stimulants; it is, however, far better and safer to give too 
little than too much of them. No doubt there are certain houses that plants take 
to, or do better in, than in others; a great deal of this, however, may depend 
upon the locality in which they are placed, as we have previously indicated. 
WarterInG OrcuIps.—The application of water, and the proper drainage of the 
soil are two of the most important points in Orchid culture, much more so than 
some people imagine. [Kivery person who grows Orchids should know the state of the 
drainage of every individual plant under his care, and of the material in which it is 
potted, so that he may be able to judge of the proper quantity of water to be 
given during the growing season and also during the season of repose. This is an 
all-important study. Water should not be thrown at random over the plants, but 
each one should be carefully supplied according to its requirements. We do not 
approve of over-watering the plants: moderation is by far the best principle by 
which to guide the operation. One cultivator may affirm that he keeps his plants. 
wet, and that under this regime they thrive well; possibly they may do so, but. 
that is no reason why another cultivator should follow this example. In the first 
place, the house in which the wet treatment succeeds may be differently situated 
as to aspect, or may be larger and better heated, so that more ventilation can be 
given, besides which there might be many other causes to account for the plants 
succeeding. It is in such cases that close observation of the situation of the house 
becomes necessary—whether in sheltered or in exposed situations, or whether the 
houses get all the sun and the winds. If in an open country, different treatment. 
will be required from that which would be suitable in a sheltered place—B. Ss. W. 
