THE ORCHID REVIEW. 3*5 



pseudobulbs inside the outer covering, which becomes blackened, and often 

 decay sets in. When this is observed, the skin should be slit from top to 

 bottom, to enable the enclosed moisture to dry up, at the same time with- 

 holding water for a few days. The cause of this trouble is usually drip from, 

 the roof, or excess of moisture in the atmosphere. This should be reduced at 

 the present season ; also avoid as much as possible direct draught on the 

 plants, which is often the cause of trouble. 



The old Cattleya labiata will give a grand display during the next few 

 weeks, when its flowers will be greatly welcomed for their usual brilliant 

 colours. When first imported it is one of the easiest plants to grow, for as 

 a rule it is of vigorous constitution, and while this lasts there is not much 

 fear of mishap. This vigour, however, as in the case of a great many 

 others of the Cattleya group — cannot always be retained, and after a time 

 decline sets in, which makes its cultivation much more difficult. This is 

 doubtless due to the freedom with which it produces bloom, and the time 

 of year helps it to retain the flowers in good condition for a longer period 

 than is the case with summer flowering species. This danger can be some 

 what minimised by removing the flower spikes within a reasonable time 

 after the flowers are expanded, and placing the same in flower holders,, 

 which can easily be got for this purpose. 



Ladia anceps varieties, together with L. albida, L. Gouldiana, and 

 L. autumnalis, are throwing up flower spikes, which indicates that their 

 blooming season is near at hand.. Syringing overhead will not be required 

 as often as previously advised and only when the days are warm and sunny 

 should this be done. Owing no doubt to the wretched weather we have 

 experienced this year, a great many plants will require a little extra 

 attention at the present time, by giving them slightly warmer conditions, 

 &c, in order to get growth well forward. Such plants as Cattleya Mossiae 

 and Odontoglossum citrosmum, which are somewhat late in making up 

 growth, as well as those that naturally grow during the winter, such as 

 Laslia purpurata, L. tenebrosa, L. crispa, L. xanthina, Miltonias, &c, 

 should occupy the warmest position available in the Cattleya house. 



CALANTHES. — The deciduous Calanthes will be fast pushing up their 

 flower spikes to bloom during the mid-winter months. In urban districts 

 these are usually unsatisfactory plants to deal with, for in no case do we 

 get the same brilliancy in colour, as in localities where plenty of light is 

 obtainable, and there are no sulphurous fogs to contend with. When these 

 conditions are available, there is probably no Orchid more useful for 

 decorative purposes. This section will now gradually cast their foliage, 

 and must be watered with great moderation until the blooming period, 

 and still occupy a warm house. The other section which follow on and 

 bloom in the spring, such as C. Regnieri, C. Turneri, and its variety nivalis,. 



