THE ORCHID REVIEW. 21 



Diacrium bicornutum, another beautiful inmate of this house, will have 

 completed its growth, and the spikes will be in an advanced stage. It 

 thrives well if grown in a basket, suspended from the roof, and given much 

 the same treatment as the before-mentioned species- It should now be 

 kept on the dry side. 



Oncidiums ampliatumandsplendidum are forward with good spikes, and 

 are always welcome. The latter is often difficult to keep in good condition 

 in the ordinary compost of peat and moss for any length of time, and it is 

 surprising the results obtained by transferring it into the leaf soil, 

 provided the water-pot is used judiciously. 



Intermedia te House. — The deciduous Calanthes have made, and will 

 continue to make, a grand display. As they go out of flower, they may be 

 taken out of their pots, and placed in boxes on a shelf in the Cattleya 

 House, until required for potting later on. Laelia anceps and varieties are 

 just now at their best. When out of flower they should be quietly rested, 

 affording water sufficient to keep the pseudobulbs firm. L. Gouldiana, L. 

 autumnalis, and L. albida, require the same treatment when out of flower. 

 Ccelogyne cristata will have its spikes well advanced. Water should be 

 applied moderately at this stage, for the least excess at the roots or in the 

 atmosphere will often cause them to decay. 



Laelia Jongheana will be showing its flower buds, and should have every 

 encouragement, by suspending it in a light position in the Cattleya 

 House. It is also necessary here to give a caution to apply water sparingly 

 at this period, the flowers being so sensitive that the least excess will cause 

 them to turn yellow. The brilliant Sophronitis grandiflora is making a 

 charming display. I find it is better to grow them on the stage in a shady 

 corner of the Cool House during summer, and suspend them in an Inter- 

 mediate House late in the autumn, never allowing them to become really 

 dry. 



Dendrobiums.— A good many of these have now their flower buds in a 

 forward stage, and already we have in bloom D. aureum, D. moniliforme, 

 D. X burfordiense, D. X Cassiope, and D. X endocharis, these being 

 amongst the earliest to flower. Others may now be brought on gradually, 

 by placing them in a little extra warmth, which will greatly assist in the 

 development of the flowers. 



During the present month, if not already done, the glass roofs should be 

 thoroughly cleansed inside and out, for it is essential that the plants should 

 receive as much light as possible at this period. The plants, too, should be 

 carefully examined for insect pests, for they are more easily eradicated now 

 than at a later date. In re-arranging the plants on the stages each should 

 be given a position to enable it to obtain the maximum of light, and a note 

 made ot any that will require potting at a future date. 



