OcToBER, 1922. ] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 315 
CULTURAL NOTES. 
ITH the arrival of autumn various changes take place in the details 
of cultivation. All shading can be done away with on the hot 
houses, and nearly so on the Odontoglossum house, only during the middle 
part of the day when bright sunshine prevails will any protection be 
required. Glasshouses situated in the open country will, of course, need 
‘more attention in this matter than houses partially shaded by buildings, or 
in localities where the atmosphere is inclined to be foggy. The past 
season has not been one of the best for Cattleyas, and many plants are 
behind in the completion of their bulbs. Where circumstances allow it is 
a good plan to sort out the plants, placing those with unfinished bulbs in 
as favourable a position as possible, such as near the glass, or suspended 
from the roof. The majority have made up their bulbs and will want a 
nice situation where the flowers will develope and be shown to advantage- 
Root action will probably continue vigorously for some time yet, and water 
will still be required, although in less amount, but it should not be withheld 
to such a degree as to cause the bulbs to shrivel. It is a bad method to 
give only a small quantity at a time, sufficient to permeate the whole of 
the compost is advisable, and this should be done early in the day so that 
any surplus may drain off before night time. If the day looks like being 
wet, or the weather remains cold, it is better to delay watering the plants, 
but the surrounding staging and floor should be damped down, which will 
maintain the atmosphere in a suitable condition. 
Odontoglossums and Odontiodas will require much attention. Many of 
them will need repotting, not necessarily into larger pots, but into fresh 
compost. In doing this all the material that has become very soft should 
be carefully removed and its place occupied by fresh fibre and moss, mixing 
a few chopped oak leaves in the case of the smaller and’ unflowered plants. 
‘It is not an easy matter without seeing a plant to determine the number of 
bulbs necessary, but four or five is a good average. The older bulbs should 
be removed, which will oftentimes allow the same size pot to be utilised 
There should be ample room for the new 
he fresh compost as much 
ar the old bulbs, as is 
de out of the handle of 
again, or one just a trifle larger. 
growth to be completed, and when working in t 
as possible should be placed around it, not ne 
sometimes done. A good potting stick can be ma ; 
an old tooth-brush. Gradually work in the compost around the:plant first, 
adding more until it reaches the side of the pot. Work it in tightly, and 
on completion trim the surface with scissors. The compost should be 
sufficiently tight to prevent the pot falling off when the plant is held up by 
the hand. Some cultivators use enough compost to fill the pot to within 
half an inch of the rim, afterwards adding a layer of sphagnum moss to 
