Juty-Aueust, 1918] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 189 
the atmosphere at this season, and soon becomes a victim of unhealty 
atmospheric conditions. 
DENDROBIUMS of the deciduous section are in full growth, and should 
be liberally treated, so as to induce them to build up stout healthy growths. 
The repotting of the evergreen section, of which D. thrysiflorum is the best 
known variety, should by this time be completed. The cool-growing species, 
such as D. Jamesianum, infundibulum, and others, may be repotted, if 
necessary, as they pass out of flower, and commence to grow. The compost 
must be made quite firm, as few Orchids thrive satisfactorily if potted 
loosely in the material now available. In repotting all Orchids, consideration 
should be given to the fact that the plants must have sufficient time to re- 
establish themselves before their next flowering season. The production of 
flowers on a poorly-rooted plant in many cases means the life of it, therefore 
it is much the best to remove the flower spikes and save the plant the effort. 
“OpontocLossuMs of the O. grande section are now growing freely, and 
any that require new rooting material should be attended to. A very 
porous compost is necessary to their well being, as their thick fleshy roots, 
so different from other Odontoglossums, are not capable of pushing through 
a close compost. These plants require copious waterings when in full 
growth, but water should pass quickly through the compost, as the roots 
quickly decay in a close or saturated material. 
GENERAL REMARKS.—The work for the présent will consist mainly of 
the general routine of potting, watering, cleaning, &c., so as to ensure a full 
season’s growth before the return of the dark days of winter. 
Before this appears in print the collection of which I have had charge 
for nearly a quarter of a century will have been dispersed, and to me it is 
like parting with old friends. But such changes are inevitable, and the 
plants will doubtless find a suitable home elsewhere. é 
—— 
PRICKING-OFF SEEDLING ORcHIDS.—The best time to prick off seedling 
Orchids is when the first or second leaf is mature and the first tiny root 
beginning to push. They will then quickly take hold of the new compost 
and establish themselves. A small pointed stick forms a good tool, and 
Care must be taken not to injure the seedlings during the operation, as they 
are very delicate. The compost should be fairly moist, and a light spraying 
should afterwards be given to settle them. Shading with a piece of light 
tissue paper for a few days is also beneficial. If the seeds should germinate 
too thickly, as is sometimes the case, it may be advisable to remove some 
of the seedlings a little earlier, in order to prevent them from damping off. 
As the tiny pots dry very quickly, it is a good plan to place several together 
in pans of some moisture-retaining materials, these being placed in suitable 
Positions in the house. 
