14 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [JAN.-FEB., 1920. 
must be observed, but they should not be dried to such an extent that the 
roots or foliage suffer. 
Compost.—A supply of the various potting materials used should be 
kept in stock, and stored so that they may be in the desired condition when 
required, neither too wet nor too dry. The different fibres may be 
prepared ready for use, so that when the busy season is upon us, we may 
dispose of the time at our disposal to the best advantage. If the different 
plants are not repottéd at their proper seasons they get an unnecessary 
check, which may prove harmful. Speaking of composts, I would advise 
that drastic changes should not be made without deep consideration, as not 
only has the plant to take hold of the material, but the watering may be 
quite different. A continual change of rooting material is a source of 
trouble and much anxiety. 
- DENpROBIUMS of the deciduous section will now be in an advanced 
stage, and swelling up their flowering nodes quickly. Where good growth 
was obtained last year, and afterwards properly ripened, an abundant supply 
of flowers may be anticipated. On no account force them forward too 
quickly, as the majority of late winter and spring-flowering varieties develop _ 
much better and finer if brought along in a temperature of about 60°, giving 
sufficient water at the roots and in the atmosphere to keep the stems plump. 
Light and sun heat is a great aid in the development of the flowers of this 
large genus. It is yet early to attempt much-repotting, but any seedlings or 
other plants which have started into growth may be done. I recommend 
a compost of equal portions of At fibre and clean sphagnum moss. 
CypRIPEDIUMS of the insigne section, also the many hybrids which 
produce their flowers at the same season, having now passed out of bloom, 
may receive attention as regards repotting should it be necessary. A 
suitable compost consists of equal parts of peat fibre, Ar fibre, and 
sphagnum moss, with some clean loam fibre added. To my mind, the 
latter can easily be overdone, especially if of a heavy nature, and therefore 
I recommend its use in reduced proportions. The pots must be well 
drained, and the new material kept on the dry side until the new roots have 
entered the material freely. These plants can be taken in hand as soon as 
their flowers are cut or faded, and after repotting they may be thoroughly 
cleaned and placed in their growing quarters, where, under the proper 
conditions, they should thrive until their flowers appear in the autumn. 
CaTTLEYAS.—These, for cultural purposes, may include all plants in 
which Cattleya enters into the parentage, now a very large and diversified 
group. Both the species and the hybrids have a certain individuality ot 
their own, some prodvcing thick fleshy roots, and others thin ones, and 
these matters affect their treatment. What would be a proper sized 
receptacle for strong rooting varieties, would be much too large for those 
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