MARCH, 1915.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 7¥ 
‘into consideration. Epiphytal Orchids rely mainly upon atmospheric 
moisture for their requirements. 
SHADING.—There were various systems of shading in Belgium. In a 
few establishments reed blinds were used, while others employed a stipple 
of lime sprayed on the glass. Mexican Lelias thrive exceeding well under 
the latter conditions, and such shading answered admirably for the ends of 
houses. The process most commonly used in Belgium was the roof shading 
of canvas or articulated lattices, with an interval between the glass and the 
shading of 20 centimetres. Shading varied according to the species, and it 
was essential to preserve a proper balance between the amount of light and 
shade, with the object of procuring vigorous, healthy, and floriferous. 
specimens, which is the Orchidist’s chief aim. 
WaTERING.—The operation of watering was one of the most important 
factors in Orchid culture, as different species required various treatment in 
this respect. Rain water should be provided, and the early morning, before: 
the sun becomes hot, was the best time. Care must be exercised in 
watering plants, those in active growth requiring plenty, but when‘at rest 
only sufficient to prevent them from shrivelling. In Belgium many species 
are grown in pure osmunda fibre in small pots. They dry quickly, which. 
keeps the plants in good health during the growing and resting periods. 
Epiphytal Orchids in their natural habitat receive moisture from the dew 
and occasional showers. When the sun comes out evaporation takes place, 
and no stagnant water ever remains in the vicinity of the plant. This is the 
essential reason why we use a quick drying compost. Plants growing in. 
moist places, as under trees, of course require more moisture than 
epiphytes. Baskets are watered by half immersing them for a few moments. 
in the water tank. 
Pottinc.—The potting materials used in Belgium vary with different 
firms, which seldom follow the same practice. But I have noticed that 
each firm usually cultivates some particular species very well. The: 
materials employed are as follows: Osmunda fibre, imported from America. 
It is cut up, pulled, and sieved, and makes a firm, porous compost, in which 
the roots grow freely, and it permits a free drainage when watering. 
Polypodium fibre is also used, but not so commonly as osmunda. Leaf 
mould is also used for epiphytal species. A compost which contains leaf 
mould should have a layer of moss placed over the crocks when potting, to: 
Prevent it from choking the drainage. English loam is used for terrestrial 
species. Lastly, sphagnum moss, which is imported from East Belgium 
and France. This is used in addition to other substances, and the propor- 
tion of sphagnum depends upon the species. Drainage materials are: 
crocks, bark, sand, and charcoal. These materials are used according to 
the nature of the species, true epiphytes requiring a very porous compost, 
