156 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [JuLy-Aucust, 1918, 
scale and other insect pests must be removed at all costs, or else the plants 
will suffer. 
SoBRALIAS are, as a rule, easily grown plants, but resent being disturbed 
at the roots, therefore should have special care when potting becomes 
necessary. When they cease flowering, any that are declining in vigour, or 
that from any other cause are in need of new material, may have attention. 
A mixture of good fibrous loam and peat, with a sprinkling of broken crocks 
to keep the whole porous, makes a suitable compost. They should be 
potted moderately firmly, and water must be sparingly applied to them 
until the new roots get into action. Spraying or sryinging once or twice a 
day will assist the plant in recovering, and also be the means of preventing 
attacks of thrip and red spider, which will attack the leaves if the 
atmosphere is too dry. Sobralias thrive best in the Cattleya house, and 
when their growth is completed enjoy a fairly dry resting season, but having 
no pseudobulbs, this must not be carried to extremes. Plants that have 
lost their centres are best divided, placing them into the smallest pots 
possible. 
CYPRIPFDIUMS of the green-leaved section have now filled their pots with 
roots, and must have copious supplies of water, as if allowed to become dry 
for any length of time they are readily attacked by thrips, which soon 
disfigures the foliage. Recently I have had this fact forcibly brought 
under my observation, as the shortage of labour prevented some of these 
plants getting the necessary attention. 
ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM AND ALLIES.—At the present time there is 
so much diversity, both in form and colour, in this most beautiful group, 
that in many cases it is hard to say which are hybrids and which are species, 
and from a cultivator’s standpoint this does not matter, as all produce 
beautiful flowers. Towards the end of August a start should be made to 
repot any Odontoglossums of this section that require it. All those plants 
of which the new growth has attained the length of several inches, and are 
about to produce new roots, should have attention first, to be followed later 
by others as they reach this stage. As many as possible should be repotted 
now, as the plants quickly re-establish themselves. Large pots should not 
be used, and the old rootless and leafless pseudobulbs should be removed. 
These may be used for propagation, and if the eyes are good will soon start 
into growth if placed on any damp material, such as a layer of sphagnum 
moss, and sprayed from time to time. 
Composts.—A variety of composts have been recommended for these 
Orchids, and good examples are to be found growing in all the different 
materials used by Orchid growers. Personally, I have not succeeded with 
Osmunda fibre as well as with other materials, and I still adhere to the 
following mixture, namely : equal parts of peat, ar fibre, and sphagnum 
