186 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
splendidum. The peat need not be of the best fibrous nature, such as 
is sought for Dendrobiums and Cattleyas, but simply the ordinary turfs 
broken up in small lumpy pieces. The above, and other similar species 
having thick, fleshy foliage, should always be grown as near the glass as 
possible, as they like a good amount of light. Sandy, lumpy peat is a 
capital medium in which to grow a good many other species of Orchids, 
quite independent of any other material. Among these I would mention 
Cymbidiums, having seen some of the grandest specimens so grown 
without any moss or loam whatever. For Zygopetalums, too, I can also 
strongly recommend it, being a simple, clean, and easily obtainable article, 
the ordinary peat being quite good enough. Then again, there are the 
Sobralias, Spathoglottis, Stanhopeas, Phaius, Masdevallias, Maxillarias, 
Lycastes, Eulophias, Platyclinis, Grammatophyllums, Cypripediums, 
Coelogynes, and Anguloas, for all of which peat alone is an excellent thing. 
I believe I have previously recommended a part of loam and leaf soil for 
some of these, which is very good, of course, and grows fine plants. 
Still, I very much doubt whether there is a more natural, healthy, clean, 
and at the same time inexpensive and effectual material for the above- 
mentioned kinds than sandy peat pure and unadulterated. . 
ONCIDIUM FLEXUOSUM.—This graceful little species is largely grown 
for decorative purposes—exhibitors finding it a great acquisition, being so 
light and elegant. It is generally grown in a stove, but grows there much 
less robust than when given a cooler treatment. I saw a specimen in an 
Odontoglossum house the other day, which deserved a Cultural Certificate, 
such enormous, fine, fat bulbs it had as to leave no doubt whether the cool 
treatment was suitable or not. 
Such beautiful and invaluable species as Cattleyas Mossize, Mendelii, 
and Odontoglossum citrosmum should be helped forward into growth as 
speedily as possible after blooming is past, or they are apt to complete 
their psendobulbs yery late in the season. Let them have the warmth of 
the Cattleya house and plenty of moisture supplied to them. That grand 
old species Odontoglossum grande, together with the nearly allied 
O. Insleayi and O. Schleiperianum, should likewise receive similar en- 
couragement to assist the building up of stout pseudobulbs, from which to 
bloom in the autumn. Miltonia vexillaria has now practically finished 
blooming, and it is now a good time to re-pot, if necessary. Two parts of 
peat to one of sphagnum forms a good compost, and the pots should 
be rather small in comparison to the plant than otherwise. Miltonias are 
plants that do not require a lot of water at the root at any time, keeping 
much more healthy and free from spot when very moderately watered, 
but still, immediately after potting, they should be kept pretty moist, to 
avoid shrivelling and to assist the new roots which will quickly appear. 
