1990 FHE -ORCHID REVIEW. [Nov.-DEc., 191G- 
a necessity to the plants it must be admitted in such a way that draughts 
do not.reach them. The results depend upon the conditions provided, and 
the cultivator makes his own plants, so to speak. If grown soft, without 
air and sunlight, the plants will not pass through the winter months like 
those that have received correct treatment. Coddling is always injurious, 
but not to goto the other extreme. 
WATERING.—More mistakes, perhaps, are made during the winter 
season in watering the plants than in any other detailof Orchid culture. 
Evaporation is now reduced to a minimum, and water should be applied 
with extreme care, the condition of each plant being carefully observed. 
Those at rest should have sufficient only to keep them plump and sound, 
whilst those that are making growth should have sufficient to keep them 
slowly moving. In all cases the compost should be allowed to become dry 
before renewing the application. Faulty watering both ruins the compost 
and destroys the roots, hence the necessity of close attention to this matter, 
which is one of the most essential details in Orchid cultivation. 
CLEANLINESS is essential, and now that the potting of the plants is not 
sO pressing, every opportunity should be taken. of thoroughly cleaning the 
houses and their inmates, the former by washing with soap and water, both 
the glass and woodwork, and the latter by removing all dirt and insects 
which may have accumulated upon them. Owing to the recent shortage of 
labour, there is much work of this nature to be brought up to date, and the 
present season is one when some of the arrears may be overcome. 
MiLTon1As.—Plants of M. vexillaria and its hybrids which were potted 
soon after their flowering period was over will now be in active growth, and 
rooting freely, and being well established in the new material, may have 
water applied to them whenever they become dry. They delight ina 
moderately moist position in the Cattleya house, and should be elevated 
well up to the glass, where they will receive every particle of light possible. 
The autumn-flowering varieties of M. vexillaria, as Leopoldii and superba, 
which have just passed out of bloom, may be repotted, if the young growths 
are of sufficient strength and about to push new roots. The form of M. 
vexillaria known as var. robusta, flowers later than the type, and may be 
treated like the autumn flowering varieties. The hybrids are irregular in 
their flowering season, and may have new compost given them whenever the 
young growths are in the desired condition. Failure with these plants is 
often the result of allowing the compost to become sour and decomposed. 
Should cold weather prevail, necessitating the use of much fire heat, astrict 
watch must be kept for yellow thrip, which is very partial to these plants, 
and soon marks their thin and delicate leaves, if not eradicated. 
CATTLEYAS AND ALLIES are more appreciated during the dark days of 
winter than perhaps at any other season, and now that there are so many 
pats Ff Soke ok 
