APRIL, 1915.] THE. ORCHID. REVIEW. 103, 
but most Belgian nurseries sow their Cattleya seeds on linen stretched 
over pots or pans of sphagnum. The pots are then placed in closed 
propagating cases with a temperature of 30° Centigrade (86° F.). The 
pots are stood in little pans of water, and the seeds germinate in about 
three or four weeks’ time. When germinated a little ventilation can be 
admitted. After eight weeks the seedlings are ready. for picking off into 
pans of fine moss and then replaced in the closed case again for’a few days. 
When watering, a very fine sprayer is used. Later on they are put in very 
small pots and placed in a close atmosphere until they develop roots, when 
a little air can be admitted. A year later they are repotted again and 
placed in the growing house, after which annual potting is performed. 
IMPORTATION OF ORCHIDS.—There is a constant stream of Orchids into 
Belgium from collectors in different tropical regions, as ftom South 
America, India, Malaya, the Philippines, and Japan. These plants when 
they arrive are either sold to private growers, or are grown for cut-flower 
purposes. In Orchid nurseries cut-bloom and the florist’s trade is an 
important branch of the business.” Paris can consume all that are grown. 
Of course a few of the specimens imported are either new or rare varieties, 
and are naturally kept for hybridisation. Importing Orchids entails a long 
voyage, sometimes many thousands of miles have to be covered. The 
packing and transit is very important, and different methods are used. for 
the various types. For instance, Cattleyas and Dendrobium are easily 
packed in cases with ventilation holes. The best time for transport is 
when they have completed their growth, that is during the resting period. 
Others, like Cypripedium and Vanda, without pseudobulbs, are packed 
with shavings. The more delicate class of Orchids require special treat- 
ment, Such genera as Phalenopsis are cultivated, previous to transport, in 
a tropical garden. They are grown on blocks until they have developed 
their roots, and are then suspended in Wardian cases, like miniature green- 
houses. On their arrival at their destination the Cattleyas, Lelias, and 
Dendrobiums are laid on the stages, in rather dry empty houses, and kept 
shaded until they are potted up. The Phalanopsis are hung in the house 
where they are to be grown, and can be putted at once. ’ 
DisEasEs.—Most Orchid growers are troubled with either fungoidal 
diseases or insect pests. A grower may treat his plants well, yet he must 
be constantly on the alert for signs of disease. The commoner diseases 
are: First, in the seedling stage there is a parasitic fungus which attacks. 
the seedlings. It is downy in appearance, and is probably the same fungus 
which causes other seedlings to damp off, namely, Pithium Debarianum. 
With this fungus prevention is better than cure. Use clean fibre and 
washed sphagnum, and dry it in the sun; that is the best remedy. I have 
observed another fungus which causes much destruction amongst Odonto- 
