MaRCH, 1917.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 63 
which I have used with the best results for some years, is composed of the 
following materials: equal portions of peat, Ar and osmunda fibres, and 
sphagnum moss, all thoroughly cleaned and used in a rough state. If any 
difficulty is found in getting osmunda or good peat fibre, Ar fibre and 
sphagnum moss will make a suitable compost, the amount of sphagnum 
being proportionately reduced. The water question must be studied closely 
at all times, no matter what the nature of the compost may be. 
PLEIONES.—The late-flowering Pleiones, such as P. humilis and P. 
Hookeriana should have attention as regards repotting should it be 
necessary. Shallow pans are the best receptacles, and a compost as 
advised for the earlier-flowéting varieties, P. maculata, lagenaria and 
others, which are now growing vigorously, will satisfy their requirements. 
They are best grown suspended at the warmest end of the Cool house. 
PHALZNopsis that have commenced to make new roots may have 
attention as regards new rooting material, should it be necessary. They 
are best grown in baskets suspended from the roof, and delight in 
abundance of heat and moisture whilst making their growth, and even 
during the winter months a certain amount of atmospheric moisture is 
necessary to their well-being. The Cattleya compost is a suitable rooting- 
medium for them. 
DENpRoBIuMS of the deciduous section will now be responding to the 
influence of increased light and heat, and flower buds will develop quickly, 
and make a good show. Asa means of prolonging the display some plants 
may be removed to cool quarters, but this is not to be recommended in 
the case of weak growers or delicate plants. D. Phalaenopsis and its 
numerous hybrids that are developing new growths, and are in need of new 
rooting material, should have attention as soon as new roots are observed 
to be pushing from the base of the young growths. It is perfectly safe to 
repot any plant whenever new roots are observed to be pushing. The chief 
details in the cultivation of this class of plant are plenty of heat, light, and 
moisture whilst in full growth, with a dry rest after blooming. A clean 
fibrous compost made up of equal portions of Ar fibre and sphagnum moss 
answers their requirements. : 
GENERAL REMARKS.—More genial atmospheric conditions can now be 
maintained in the different departments, to which the plants will respond 
readily, but no attempt should be made to hurry them into growth, for 
Nature generally takes her own time, and all we can do is to assist her 
by guarding against adverse conditions. Parasites of every description are 
~ a hindrance, and must be destroyed as soon as their presence is detected. 
The roof glass should also be cleaned from deposits of soot and other 
matters which accumulate during the winter, so as to give the plants the 
benefit of all the light possible. 
