108 _ THE ORCHID REVIEW. [JuLy-AuGusT, 1920. 
of pressing them all into the busy season. When repotting any of these 
plants, the beginner should remember that over-potting is an evil, and 
should be guarded against; the smaller the pot the better the safeguard 
against injury from excessive watering at the roots. The careful observer 
will notice great diversity in the nature of the roots of this complicated 
family, some being quite robust rooters, others quite feeble, making roots of 
a thin wiry nature. The thick rooters are generally very strong growers 
and are capable of filling a larger receptacle with roots than those which 
make roots of a finer nature. The latter should be placed in the smallest 
receptacle possible. Cattleya Warneri, after repotting should be kept on the 
dry side, and only receive sufficient water to keep the pseudobulbs plump: 
As the plants are at rest, if this treatment is adopted, they will make many 
roots, and break away strongly into growth at their proper season. The 
Same remarks apply to C. Warscewiczii (gigas), which after flowering 
should have any necessary repotting done, and be kept fairly on the dry side 
until the plants start into growth in the spring. When re-established they 
should be gradually exposed to more sun and air, to consolidate and ripen 
their growths. This is the secret of flowering this, and other so-called shy- 
flowering Cattleyas. Lelia purpurata also delights in much the same 
treatment, but it is obvious that in a family so diversified there are some 
exceptions to any rule that can be laid down. 
ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM AND ALLIES.—This family of Orchids isat the 
present time one of the most popular, as well as one of the most useful. 
Towards the end of August a start should be made to repot any Odonto- 
glossums of this section which require it. The proper time to repot is 
when the new growths have attained the length of several inches, 
according to the strength of the plants, and are about to push forth new 
roots, commencing with the most forward, and following on with others as 
theyreach the desired stage. As many as possible should be done at this 
season, as they quickly re-establish themselves. Large pots should not be 
used, and the old rootless and leafless pseudobulbs should be removed. 
These may be used for Propagation, and if the eyes are sound will soon 
Start into growth if placed upon any damp material, such as alayer of 
sphagnum moss, and sprayed from time to time. 
MEXICAN OpoNToGLossossuMs.—Plants of the Mexican O. citrosmum 
in most collections have passed their flowering season, and as the young 
growths are making considerable headway, now is the time for any 
necessary repotting. Asthe plants do not make many roots, receptacles of 
the smallest size should be used. Shallow pans, that may be suspended 
from the roof, are preferable to baskets. Afford good drainage, and use 
a shallow compost of Osmunda fibre, At fibre, and peat, chopped up 
rather small and well mixed together. Cut off all useless back bulbs, and pot 
