FEBRUARY, I915.| THE ORCHID REVIEW. st 
this time of the year, although in large miscellaneous collections there is 
always some such work being done. Particular attention should be paid to 
unhealthy plants—a few of which are sure to be found in almost every 
Orchid collection—with a view to improving their condition. The best thing 
to do to such plants is to remove them from their present receptacles, and 
place them in as small.a pot, pan, or basket as the roots can be got into, using 
a thin layer of compost just sufficient to steady them, and until such time as 
renewed activity takes place very little water must be applied. After 
receiving such attention these unhealthy pieces should be replaced in their 
respective divisions, and a genial growing atmosphere preserved around 
them, with the admission of plenty of light, but shading them from ‘all sun- 
shine. 
MEXICAN HOUSE.—Probably owing to the comparatively mild 
weather we have lately experienced, many plants are showing renewed 
activity. For example, in the Mexican house such species as Laelia 
Gouldiana, albida, autumnalis, furfuracea, and the darker varieties of L. 
anceps (the lighter varieties, as L. a. Sanderiana, Stella, Schroederiana, 
alba, and others bloom several weeks later) have gone out of flower, and 
bunches ‘of new roots are pushing from the base of the last made pseudobulb. 
Immec*\tely this.is observed supply fresh potting materials to such plants 
as may be necessary. Well-established specimens in pots or baskets that 
are sufficiently large for their needs should not be disturbed unnecessarily, 
but should the old compost have become loose and decayed it should be 
carefully removed with a pointed stick, and by washing out the fine soil 
which cannot be conveniently got at the drainage will be cleaned. The 
drainage should then be made perfect, and fresh materials added. For 
these Mexican species shallow pans or teak-wood baskets may be employed, 
and they should be of sufficient size to allow of at least two seasons growth. 
Whether remaking up a specimen or repotting each piece singly, it is not 
necessary to retain more than two or three pseudobulbs behind each leading 
§towth. In repotting keep the rhizome of the plant just on a level with the 
tim of the pot, about one-half of the receptacle being filled with large clean 
crocks for drainage, and the compost should consist of coarse osmunda and 
AX fibre, out of which all dust has been sifted. Press the materials quite 
firmly together, especially along the base, or rhizome, of the plant. A few 
Pieces of crock inserted here and there in the compost will render the _ 
Passage of water rapid, which is always advisable for this particular class of 
plants. ‘ 
_ SUBSEQUENT TREATMENT.—After the plants have been disturbed in this 
way a good deal of judgment is needed in affording water. In order to 
Prevent decay and at the same time encourage root activity, the surface of 
the compost should be lightly sprayed over whenever it appears to be dry, 
