54 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [January, 1918. 
that they may become well rooted. Roots are the feeders for plants, and 
no plant can survive long if the root action is not thoroughly healthy, 
hence the necessity of paying great attention to the condition of the 
compost of every plant. Miltonias of this section, being dwarf growers, do 
best in shallow pans suspended from the roof. All old and useless pseudo- 
bulbs should be cut away, and the growing pieces made up afresh, giving 
each leading growth room to develop. Those pieces which have few roots 
to hold them in position should be pegged firmly down to the compost, as 
no plant can root if at all loose. The whole of these Brazilian Miltonias 
succeed satisfactorily in a shady part of the Intermediate house. They 
delight in ample drainage and, being surface rooters, no great depth of 
material is necessary. For compost at the present time there is not much 
choice, as osmunda fibre is practically unobtainable, and we have to rely 
entirely on Az and peat fibre. For these plants the former answers 
admirably, cut up moderately fine, and placed rather firmly around the 
rhizome of the plants. For some time water must be afforded with great 
care, as the young growths, as well as the new roots, are liable to decay if 
too much be given, but when re-established in the new material the 
compost should be kept moist. The alteration from one material to 
another is not always to the plants’ benefit, but wnat cannot be avoided 
has to be put up with; the only remedy is to pay closer attention to the 
condition of the plants. 
SOPHRONITIS GRANDIFLORA is now in bloom, and few Orchids surpass 
this beautiful Cool house species in effect. The plants are best grown in 
well-drained shallow pans, using a very thin layer of clean fibre for them to 
root in. Repotting may be done when growth commences, or immediately 
after the flowers fade. These, and all other small-growing plants, are best 
suspended from the roof, where they may receive the maximum amount of 
light. 
CYPRIPEDIUMS which produced their flowers in October, and have now 
passed out of bloom, should be examined, and any that are in need of repotting 
should have attention. C. insigne Sanderz is one which always produces 
its flowers early in the season, and can have attention immediately its 
flowers are faded. There are many others which may be treated in a 
similar manner. These plants are best potted moderately firmly in a 
compost of two parts peat fibre, one of loam fibre, and one of live sphagnum 
moss. The later-flowering plants, which are now either in bloom or 
pushing up their flower spikes, may be done at a later period. The summer- 
flowering varieties, both species and hybrids, must have water afforded 
them whenever they become dry: in fact, these plants at no time should be 
allowed to suffer for the want of it. 
DENDROCHILUMS.—As soon as the growth of D. glumaceum and its 
