24 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
them over dry now than over wet. Ada aurantiaca, though of a different 
character, produces flowers of a similar hue ; the plants are now in full growth, 
and consequently should be kept well moistened at the root. Oncidiums 
are also represented here, such as O. varicosum Rogersii, now at rest, and 
hence should be kept on the dry side; O. Marshallianum, just commencing 
to grow, and thus requiring more water, though, as a rule, this plant — 
produces more roots when kept slightly on the dry side at this season; O. 
incurvum, which succeeds when given the same treatment as Odonto- 
glossums; O. olivaceum Lawrenceanum, now pushing up its spikes from 
the partially made growths; over-watering, however, must be guarded 
against with this plant, or the spikes may damp off. 
Masdevallias, which, I am sorry to say, are not very popular just now, 
should have a few degrees more warmth at this season than that quoted for 
the above. This may be done by placing them at the warmest end, or ina 
compartment by themselves. They should all be kept, more or less, on the 
dry side, in opposition to the generally accepted idea that they should be 
well supplied with water because they have no pseudobulbs. Harm is 
often done to these plants by over-watering to keep the sphagnum moss 
alive, the old saying being that if the moss is in a nice healthy and green 
condition the plant will be ditto; but that is not my opinion. The best of 
the genus in flower now is M. tovarensis, its pure white flowers being very 
valuable at Christmas time, and in fact whenever they are to be had. 
There is nothing gained by leaving the old flower-spikes on the plants, 
although flowers are produced from them again the following year if left on 
the plants. This species must have the warmest position in the house and 
less water than any. Similar conditions suit M. Mooreana, macrura, 
elephanticeps, torta, and rosea. The two former are now in bloom, less 
attractive ones being found in M. polysticta, melanopus, amabilis, and the 
hybrid Hincksiana, which may almost be termed a perpetual bloomer. 
Along with these in hanging baskets are growing Maxillaria Sanderiana, a 
magnificent species, which is just now pushing out its creeping rhizome- 
like flower-spikes. Previous to these showing the plants are kept drier 
than when growing, but as soon as it is apparent that they are about to 
_ produce flower-spikes, more water may be given, taking care in the process 
not to damp the spike, as they are so liable to die. 
It is with the Masdevallias that we grow such plants as Cymbidium 
eburneum, elegans, Mastersii, and Devonianum, all of which thrive in a 
moist corner, excepting the latter, which is in a hanging pan; a hanging 
position for this being better adapted for the display of its drooping 
racemes. Being potted in a mixture of peat and loam they do not dry up 
so rapidly, and so with a good watering now and again they will go a good 
time without injury. In another house with a similar temperature are 
