38 THE ORCHID REVIEW. (FEBRUARY, 1915- 
a 
EBRUARY is always a joyful month, for the amateur grower especially, 
f as the days are now beginning to lengthen, and more light and sun 
will reach our plants, which is much appreciated in the form of renewed 
and increased growth. ae 
Most of the Cypripediums will now be over, and, if needing it, any 
which have just finished blooming can be repotted in the manner advised 
last month, whilst those so treated in January will be rooting nicely in their 
new compost and will need a little more water. Usually at this time of 
year, assuming that a mean temperature of 50° Fahr. is maintained, and a 
little rise with sun heat, a good dose of water will be needed every other 
day, but in cold, sunless weather twice a week will often suffice. Since 
Cypripediums possess no pseudobulbs and cannot store up any nourish- 
ment for themselves, the amateur must be more liberal with his use of the 
watering-can for these Orchids than for those genera well furnished with 
pseudobulbs, as Oncidium and Odontoglossum, which will not require aS 
much water yet. 
THE AMATEUR'’S COLLECTION. 
By C. ALWYN HARRISON. 
If any Oncidiums are over, they must now be placed at the coolest end 
of the house to rest, for without this they will not flower satisfactorily the 
following season. Personally I like to see my plants rest at least three 
weeks before any sign of new growth is apparent, and in this way they make 
plump and healthy growths each year, and are then a pleasure to grow. In 
common with most hybrids of other sections, hybrid Oncidiums are very 
vigorous and free in flowering, and can be well recommended for an 
amateur’s small house, as also the bigeneric hybrids between Oncidium and 
Cochlioda. These Oncidiodas, however, must not be given, after flowering, 
anything like the rest given to the species, and the amateur should 
endeavour to keep their compost always in an even state of moisture, 
damp but not sodden. The Oncidiodas are of comparatively recent origin, 
but several are now known, and O. Cooksoniz, the hybrid between 
Oncidium macranthum and Cochlioda Neetzliana, is a very striking thing- 
One word of caution may be necessary. Never allow a small and weakly 
plant to bloom, or it will be further weakened and may never properly 
recover. If any such plant is showing a spike, pinch this out as soon as 
visible, and keep the plant growing on, when, under normal conditions, 2 
strong healthy bulb will be produced the following year. 
As the days lengthen, the temperature will probably be inclined to rup 
up during the day time, and, if so, a splendid chance is obtained: for freely 
ventilating the house. I find that one can usually give a little top air about 
