MODE OF PRODUCING BACK GROWTHS. 33 



the terrestrial species; others again, peat loam and leaf mould and sand. 

 The plants require good-sized pots ; in the bottom of them put about 

 two inches of drainage, on that a layer of moss, next some rough peat, 

 and then the compost just mentioned, on which place the plant so as 

 to be about an inch below the rim of the pot ; then fill in with the com- 

 post, making it tolerably firm about the roots. Water sparingly at first, 

 but by the time the young growths are some six inches high the plants 

 will enjoy a good supply. 



MODE OF PRODUCING BACK GROWTHS. 



rpHERE are many of our Orchids that grow on year after year, and 

 -L yet produce only one flowering pseudobulb annually ; but some of 

 the kinds, if the plants are cut, will produce back shoots or breaks, thus 

 increasing the number of blooming growths, and the sooner making fine 

 specimens. This is the way to produce such specimens as are to -be seen 

 from time to time at the London and provincial exhibitions. Some plants, 

 such as Cattleyas, may be more readily treated in this way than others. 



The operation is thus performed : — Take a plant that has back 

 pseudobulbs, some four or five it may be, and cut the rhizome in two 

 between the bulbs, not otherwise disturbing it, but allowing the bulbs to 

 remain in the same place. The best time to cut most Orchids is during 

 their season of rest, or just as they are beginning to grow. Any other 

 Orchids that have pseudobulbs may be treated in the same way, when it 

 becomes desirable to increase them, but it must be borne in mind that 

 no Orchid should be cut except when in vigorous health, and not then 

 except it is to produce back growth. The resting season is best for 

 performing the operation, as when in vigorous growth they often produce 

 two growths from the same pseudobulb, and continue doing so year after 

 year, thus increasing in size rapidly, and in time making a fine 

 specimen. When this is the case, if it is required to increase the stock 

 of a particular plant, take off a piece just as it is starting into growth. 

 The plant taken off can be potted at once, and placed in a shady place 

 until it shows signs of growth, whefi it may be brought to the light. 

 Many Orchids do not like to be disturbed, while there are those, some 

 much more so than others, which readily submit to this treatment. 



