Frpruary, 1914.) _ THE ORCHID REVIEW. 45 
but all those that now require a larger pot, and are rooting from the base 
of the current growth, can be repotted. Good drainage is essential, and 
the compost is the same as that advised for Masdevallias, although I have 
heard of some failures where osmunda fibre has been employed as a rooting 
medium. For a few weeks after being disturbed little direct watering will 
be needed, providing the surroundings are kept moist. At one time it was 
the rule to admit air indiscriminately, and to let the temperature fall to a 
few degrees above freezing point. But now a minimum temperature of 
50° Fahr. is the general custom, and ventilation given with due regard to 
the weather. 
SEEDLING ODONTOGLOssUMS succeed better in a slightly higher 
temperature, and the sprayer or Abol syringe plays an important part 
in the successful culture of these tiny plants. It is also important that the 
compost be kept in a sweet condition, and insect pests held in check. If 
any seed capsules are ripe a portion of the seed can be sown at once around 
old plants or seedlings that do not require disturbance for some months. 
IMPORTED ORCHIDS.—At one time or another most growers have had 
to deal with newly-imported Orchids, and success depends very largely 
upon the condition of the plants when they arrive in this country. Directly 
they are received they should be carefully examined and all the decayed 
parts removed, when it is advisable to sponge them over and then suspend 
each piece from the roof at the coolest end of their respective divisions. 
Such subjects as Odontoglossums, Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, &c., may be 
sprayed over on most days until growth begins, when they can be 
placed in pots just large enough to comfortably take the pseudobulbs. 
Where large quantities are dealt with they may be put in pots at 
once, surrounded by broken potsherds, and as root action becomes 
apparent some of the potsherds can be replaced with the usual 
compost. With Vandas, Angrecums, &c., much the same procedure 
is followed, but as a rule more failures have to be recorded. Another 
method is to suspend them in a downward position, keeping the structure 
well shaded for a week or so, and dipping the plants about three 
times each week until they recover. All imported Orchids should be 
gradually inured to the light and the surroundings, and the plants should 
not be kept too dry. Excessive heat must also be guarded against, and 
careful watering will be necessary until they are well established. 
RAISING SEEDLINGS. 
In last month’s issue our Editor, speaking of the R.H.S. awards for the 
year, remarked that hybrids now greatly outnumber the species, ‘‘a fact 
of vast significance.” It is a far cry to the period when Calanthe Dominyi 
first made its appearance, and for a long time Orchid raising was confined 
to the few, but now it is quite a common pursuit, both in trade and private 
