M2 
THE ORCHID REVIEW . 
[Novuhber, 
THE AMATEUR’S PAGE. 
C HE Editor has been asked by various amateurs for assistance on the 
following subjects, and he will gladly welcome additional information : 
Crocking Pots .—“In my early days of Orchid cultivation I always used 
■plenty of crocks, and I felt sure that this principle was correct, for it was 
then recommended by almost all the best guide books to fill the pots at 
least half full of crocks. But when I now turn out a plant for the purpose 
•of repotting, I find that the nurseryman from whom it has recently been 
purchased seldom uses more than one large crock for the bottom of the pot, 
and a sprinkling of smaller pieces over it. Will you please inform me the 
reason of this change, and which method you advise me to follow ? ” 
It was certainly the custom in days gone by to half fill the pots with 
•crocks, for with some cultivators there still lingered ideas that Orchids 
lived mainly on the air, and on that account should have ample ventilation 
beneath them and also around their roots. But it should be noted that in 
former days much more water was applied than was really necessary, and if 
this surplus did not pass easily and quickly away the compost soon became 
chocked with moisture and prevented the proper activities of the root 
-system, resulting in an early death of the plant. The early day cultivator 
subsequently learnt by experience that too much water was injurious, but 
instead of lessening the quantity he overcame the trouble by providing 
plenty of crocks to enable the excess of water to pass rapidly away. As 
time went on it was realised that much of the space taken up by the 
numerous crocks could be used by nutritive compost to the advantgae of the 
plant, and a gradual lessening of the drainage material occurred. Although 
success was not at first achieved by all who followed the newer method, in 
was soon ascertained that the secret lay in the use of the watering pot, for 
as the drainage material decreased in quantity and efficiency so a smaller 
amount of water was needed. Although moisture is a necessity, it has been 
truly said that the over-use of the watering pot has been the principal cause 
of many a plant’s early death. The trade-grower, who is always on the 
,4ook out for means to economise, finds that with fewer crocks he can place 
sufficient compost for the plant’s requirements in a smaller pot than 
formerly, and with a corresponding saving in the matter of stage-space as 
well as in the cost of pots. Amateurs would be well advised to follow the 
nurseryman’s plan, and to take special care in regard to the watering. As 
a guide to the size of the pot required, just room for the new growth to be 
formed and for its roots to freely enter the compost is a safe one. 
Cypripediums Rotting .—“ Some of my Cypripediums are rotting off, and 
•the damage appears to commence near the roots, at least, I think so, for the 
