A XI) THEIR MAXAGEMENT. 77 



Calanthe. 

 of the )-ear. The different varieties of C. vcstita and 

 the h}-brids of the C. I'citcliii section are those principally 

 found. 



The evergreen Calanthes are more interesting as 

 botanical plants, and are not extensive!)- cultivated. The)' 

 require sto\'e treatment where the atmospheric conditions 

 can be retained in a humid state for the greater portion 

 of the }-ear. The compost should consist of two parts 

 fibrous peat to one of sphagnum, with sufficient rough 

 sand to keep the whole porous. Liberal drainage should 

 also be afforded. 



For the deciduous section the bulbs should be re-potted 

 in Februar)' or March. The best results are got from 

 plants grown singl)-. Turfy loam, with leaf-soil, dried cow - 

 manure, and a sprinkling of sand and sphagnum, forms a 

 good mixture, and the pots should be one-quarter filled 

 with drainage. Plant the bulbs on the top of the soil, so 

 that the new growth is not buried ; press the soil firmh*, 

 and leave about ^\in. of space for water. Give no water 

 till the new roots have penetrated into the soil, and , then 

 water carefully until the fresh growth is well awa}*, when 

 a liberal supply at the roots, on the leaves, and in the 

 atmosphere is necessar}-. The best position for the plants 

 all through the summer is close to the glass, on the 

 lightest side of a moist stove. When the new bulbs are 

 approaching full size, weak liquid manure maj- be given 

 weekly. Do not dr}' the plants off till after the flowers 

 are o\-er. By careful management some of the foliage may 

 be got to remain on the plants till they flower. When in 

 bloom, a dry, warm house is most favourable to the 

 duration of the flowers. If started in small pots, the 

 plants must be removed into larger ones as the soil fills 

 with roots. The size and strength of the inflorescence are 

 regulated by those of the pseudo-bulbs. These plants may 

 be multiplied by divisions of the pseudo-bulbs, placing 

 them on sandy soil, in a moist hothouse or a frame, until 

 they show signs of growing. During the resting season 

 the plants should be placed on a shelf in a warm house, 

 where they will obtain sufficient moisture from the atmo- 

 sphere to sustain them until the re-potting season returns. 

 The flowers are amongst the most useful for cutting for 

 decorative work of all kinds. In the neighbourhood of 



