316 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [OcroBER, 1922. 
complete the job, but this method should only be adopted in the case of 
sinall pots. 
Ventilation is a matter too often neglected by amateurs. It is not 
suggested that the ventilators are never opened, but that more frequently 
they are left wide open day and night irrespective of the weather conditions. 
‘The bottom ventilators may generally be left open until winter weather 
arrives, but the top ones should not be opened more widely than is 
avsolutely necessary, for if a strong current of air passes continuously 
through the house, it will very soon carry off most of the atmospheric 
moisture that is so essential to the welfare of these cool-growing plants. 
A sudden outburst of sunshine may cause the interior temperature to rise 
rapidly, and then a little more ventilation may be given, for at this period 
of the year it is advisable not to let the plants get too soft in their 
condition of growth. One of the advantages of roller blinds, either ot 
canvas or laths, is that they can be used at any time, and are thus far 
superior to any form of permanent shading. They are useful during a 
short period of bright sunshine on a house of delicate seedlings, and also 
at night as a protection from severe cold. Fire heat is now a necessity at 
night-time in most localities, and any amateurs who are able to forecast the 
weather will find it to their advantage to do so. A bright sun-shiny day is 
frequently followed by a cold frosty night. 
There is a neat little plant called Sophronitis grandifllora that always 
comes in for much admiration when in flower. Almost every amateur has 
had it in his collection at one time or another, and even now it holds its 
own alongside many of the Sophronitis hybrids. Shallow pans are best for 
its cultivation, and when suspended from the roof of the cool house, as they 
generally are, care should be taken that the position is not one where a cold 
draught will effect it each time the ventilator is used. Specimens often 
deteriorate in the centre, necessitating the careful separating of the several 
pieces and re-arranging them so that the new growths have ample room for 
development and their roots can easily enter the fresh compost. The finest 
fibres should be selected for use with this species, and if a few chopped oak 
leaves are added better results may be expected. The pans containing 
these plants hold such a comparatively small quantity of compost that it 
does not seem to matter whether the sphagnum moss is mixed with the fibre 
or inserted in tufts near the edge. S. grandiflora does not as a rule send 
down its roots more than a short distance from the surface, consequently 
but little depth of compost is necessary. If somewhat deep pans are used 
ample drainage material should be placed in the bottom. 
At this time of the year many of the Cattleyas have completed their 
bulbs and will need looking over for any insect pests. It is more likely 
that scale will be found on the older bulbs than the last one made, and if 
