AND THEIR MANAGEMENT. 



29 



Methods of Sowing Seed. 

 graduall}- dwindle and die. Excess in either case must 

 be avoided. 



Potting Seedlings. 



The best time at which to remo\e the seedhngs is 

 just immechatel}- after the first or seed-leaf has reached 

 maturit}', and when the miniature root makes its appear- 

 ance. We ach'ocate that the sooner the plants can be 

 induced to become established in their independent pots, 

 the better. The illustration ( J'^ig. 7, p. 27) will gi\-e 

 a fair indication of the condition of the seedlings when 

 they may be safel_\- handled, provided that the roots are 

 acti\'e, and the plants, as far as growth is concerned, are 

 in a dormant condition. We would prefer their being 

 potted before the stage indicated in the illustration, so 

 that the roots shown might in the meantime have become 

 established in the potting compost ; for in a }-oung stage 

 the\' are ver\' tender subjects to handle, and particular 



Fig. 9. ORCHm Seedlings at Focr Years. 



care is required lest they become injured in the 

 operator's hands during transplanting. We advise those 

 not familiar with the treatment of seedling Orchids to 



