THE ORCHID REVIEW. 53 
somewhat sparingly for a time, until the new roots commence to run, by 
which time the weather will be more conducive to free growth, and water 
may be given with greater freedom. 
PHAL&NopsIs.—These lovely winter-blooming Orchids are now practi- 
cally over for the season, and will enjoy a little rest of about a month or six 
weeks’ duration before commencing to grow again. They should therefore 
receive very little water, though sufficient to support the large, fleshy leaves, 
which should remain perfectly plump and healthy. The great thing with 
this genus is to retain the leaves for the longest possible period, for they are 
the main strength of the plant. It is better never to risk too much dis- 
turbance of the roots for purposes of re-potting, or a collapse is more likely 
than not to follow. Teak-wood baskets or cylinders are the best, and when 
a larger one is required, insert the whole bodily into it. This saves a lot of 
root mutilation which would assuredly happen if an attempt was made to 
separate the roots from their grasp of the teak bars. Teak is splendid wood 
for this purpose, as it may be thus buried and still remain sound and sweet 
for a very long time. I believe it is never known to form fungoid growth. 
After so inserting one basket in the other, fill up the odd spaces with clean 
crocks, or charcoal, and a little sphagnum moss here and there, which will 
keep the whole firm and assist to retain moisture. These plants are 
peculiarly adapted for basket culture, as the roots love to ramble, and soon 
leave the basket and strike out in the air, usually taking a downward direc- 
tion, as though in search of moisture; and of course they do derive much 
nourishment from the atmosphere. Such roots during the growing season 
should be freely moistened when syringing with tepid water, and if at any 
time they should grow too long, so as to be in the way, or be in danger of 
getting broken, they should be carefully lifted up and coiled round the teak 
bars once again, to which they will soon become attached. Those not 
requiring larger receptacles may now have the old sphagnum moss removed 
and new supplied, being careful not to injure the roots. 
CHARCOAL.——Mentioning charcoal reminds me that it is sometimes 
spoken of disparagingly—in fact, some growers have discontinued its use. 
For my own part I like it very much, and have never found any ill effects 
from it, but on the contrary think it a most healthy accessory. I would, 
however, advise growers not to use it perfectly new, before it has first been 
well soaked in water, as the roots which come in contact with it may suffer 
on account of its intense dryness. 
DENpROBIUMS.—If these are grown in quantities, as free-growing and 
flowering ones deserve to be, a beautiful:show may be had for many weeks 
in succession during the winter and spring months. I allude to D. 
Wardianum, nobile, Findlayanum, crassinode, and others of the same class. 
Continue to give those most forward in bud a slightly warmer temperature 
